Africa-Press – Eswatini. The country has imported over 300 000 metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables, amounting to E2.2 billion.
According to National Marketing and Agricultural Board (NAMBoard) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bhekizwe Maziya, this was a clear indication that the country is a net exporter of jobs in agriculture which presents clear-cut opportunities for young people. Maziya said this during the Youth in Agriculture Indaba held at Mavuso Trade Centre recently. The chief executive officer said this was for the financial year, which ended on March. He said the country had a competitive advantage on the production of some fruits and vegetables.
“These are potatoes, onions, carrots, tomatoes, beetroot, green beans, peas, baby corn, chillies, and baby marrows,” he said.
The CEO challenged young farmers with interest in horticulture to consider venturing into these commodities and further stated that challenges young farmers had faced had been the lack of access to funding.
Initiative
“NAMBoard took the initiative to assist in addressing this challenge. A partnership has been established with EswatiniBank, where a Horticulture Revolving Fund was established to enhance access to credit without the need for a deposit or collateral by the farmers,” said Mabuza.
He added that a horticulture input subsidy had also been established to cushion farmers on the high cost of farming inputs, where they were provided with a 40 per cent subsidy from NAMBoard.
Maziya stated that there were profitable opportunities which existed in value addition and these included processing and packaging. Maziya appreciated the Minister for Agriculture Jabulane Mabuza for his vision and conviction towards the hosting of Youth in Agriculture Indaba.
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