Eswatini’s agriculture sector must embrace green production and high-value crops to meet changing market demands while creating sustainable trade opportunities.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Sydney Simelane made the call during the Eswatini International Trade Fair Agriculture Business Seminar at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday.
The seminar, held under the theme “Cultivating Next-Gen Agribusiness Leaders: Innovation, High-Value Crops, and Sustainable Enterprise,” brought together farmers, entrepreneurs, exhibitors and agribusiness innovators.
Simelane said agriculture was moving beyond traditional subsistence farming towards high-value commercial enterprise, creating opportunities for farmers to increase income while responding to growing market demands.
He said farmers and emerging agribusiness leaders should explore niche cash crops such as coffee, ginger, bamboo and turmeric, alongside green bio-economy opportunities.
These include renewable energy, composting and bamboo processing, which can help farmers and businesses use resources more efficiently while generating additional income.
Simelane said producing agricultural commodities was no longer enough, stressing the importance of moving up the value chain through agroprocessing.
“Unlocking full economic value requires moving up the value chain,” he said.
He said combining agroprocessing with green energy solutions and structured access to finance could help young entrepreneurs and farmers build more resilient businesses.
The Principal Secretary said the approach could also strengthen the connection between agricultural production and trade by enabling farmers to produce products that have greater commercial value and are suited to market demand.
He encouraged young and emerging agribusiness leaders to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the evolving agricultural sector.
“To our youth and emerging agribusiness leaders in the audience: the future of Eswatini’s agricultural strength rests in your hands,” Simelane said.
He said the Ministry remained committed to creating an enabling environment through supportive policies, technical research and market facilitation.
Simelane said collaboration between farmers, government, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders would be critical in developing sustainable agricultural enterprises.
He urged participants to use the seminar to establish new partnerships, attract investment and develop practical solutions for the sector.
“Let this seminar serve as a catalyst for new partnerships, bold investments, and actionable solutions,” he said.
