By Lwazi Dlamini
The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nisela Farms to ensure the successful establishment of new farming companies in the 500-hectare LUSIP II Irrigated scheme.
This will be undertaken through the provision of technical support from Nisela Farms and EWADE to the newly created farming companies.
EWADE has facilitated, designed and implemented the bulk infrastructure and irrigation on the farming companies.
Nisela shall take the oversight role of the Banana crop establishment and husbandry operations, using the existing NISELA extension team and which the operations will be implemented through service providers in consultation with the farmers.
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The signing ceremony was held at Nisela Farms (Kamsholo) in Big Bend on Thursday.
EWADE were represented by its Chief Executive Officer Dr. Samson Sithole while Nisela Farms were represented by Managing Director Jan Hendrik Botha.
Botha thanked EWADE for the recognition and the partnership aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural practices a d water management in Eswatini.
We are humbled by the recognition from EWADE. The more we can grow the communities, the more we will grow the economy and change people’s lives if we work together.
It’s over a year we have been working together with EWADE in LUSIP 1 and we are happy to grow the Banana business,” Botha said.
EWADE LUSIP II Project Manager, Gcina Ginindza acknowledged the great work done by Nisela Farms in the LUSIP 1 Project.
“They are very big on Banana enterprise and we have worked with them. At EWADE we always like to work with enterprises in the private sector and have an impact in the communities we have projects in,” Ginindza said.
The MoU signing ceremony brought together leaders and stakeholders from both organizations to outline the collaborative efforts designed to promote sustainable working collaboration between the two entities.
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his partnership aims to foster innovation, share expertise, and implement sustainable solutions that will benefit the agricultural sector and the wider community in Eswatini.
According to the MoU, which Eswatini Daily News has in its possession, Nisela Farms will assist with Infrastructure design and training.
- Packhouses
- On Farm Banana section
- Biosecurity inclusive of the vehicle and foot/people dips
Provision of technical assistance on production.
- Assist with Banana and other crops establishment.
- Soil analysis and fertilizer recommendations.
- Provide capacity building by means of structured trainings and field demonstrations.
- Regular site visits/inspection to provide agronomic assistance to farmers.
- Help on export logistics and Market linkages.
- Provide capacity building/training and support for banana packhouses operations and maintenance.
- Provide assistance with industry required certification process i.e GLOBAL GAP, HACCP etc
- Hire out equipment to farmers when available. Donate unused equipment to the project.
On the other hand, EWADE shall be responsible for implementing the project by performing the following support obligations:
- Water assistance for Nisela Farms irrigation during adverse climatic conditions (drought)
- Procurement of Infrastructure development & construction supervision
- Social governance support (Roles & Responsibilities)
- Partnership with Nisela on the 300ha land available at Nisela.
- Assist farmers to secure operational financing.
- Consistent and continuous progress update on project implementation.