Africa-Press – Eswatini. The government has introduced an E7 million subsidy targeted at maize and bean farmers, a move the Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka believes will significantly boost food production.
Tshawuka said the subsidy aims to ease the financial burden on farmers while helping them expand their fields and improve yields.
He described the subsidy as an important investment that will return multiple benefits for the country in both the short and long term.
The Minister encouraged farmers to apply for the subsidy without delay and to make full use of the assistance provided.
He said the support is specifically designed for essential crops such as maize and beans because these are the backbone of the national diet.
According to him, the country has been spending millions every year importing grain that could have easily been produced locally if farmers were adequately supported and motivated.
Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka
He also reminded citizens that food crops like maize and beans are not only consumed at the household level but also feed various industries including livestock and food processing sectors.
Strengthening the production of these crops therefore strengthens entire value chains that contribute to economic growth. Tshawuka added that when farmers produce on a large scale, local markets become stronger and food prices remain stable.
The subsidy comes at a time when many farmers are still recovering from the impact of climate variability. The Minister said support will assist in rebuilding confidence within the sector and encourage more emaSwati to view agriculture as a viable business rather than a survival activity.
He noted that the global economic climate has made food imports more expensive, which further validates the need for the country to invest heavily in its own agricultural systems.
He once again repeated his call for farmers to take advantage of the current rain, saying they create perfect conditions for planting.
He encouraged farmers in all four regions to expand their fields and use the available government support to maximise productivity.
The Minister expressed optimism that if farmers respond positively, the country will see a major improvement in crop yields within the next harvest season.
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