By Thokozani Mazibuko
His Majesty King Mswati II has demonstrated his advocacy towards achieving food sovereignty in the country.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka when the Ministry met with the Senate Portfolio Committee on Tuesday in Parliament to discuss the Second Quarter Performance Report.
“In a move toward achieving food sovereignty, the Government of Eswatini has secured a transformative loan of over E830 million, following the unanimous approval by both the Senate and the House of Assembly.
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This funding is poised to bolster the nation’s agricultural sector and align with His Majesty’s vision of making Eswatini self-sufficient in food production,” Minister Tshawuka told the Portfolio Committee.
“When we were at different Summits abroad, His Majesty the King always mentioned the country’s plan to achieve food sovereignty to potential investors and the country is already benefitting from his efforts,” Minister Tshawuka pointed out to the Senators.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the legislative bodies for their swift action and support in passing the loan bill. “This funding is not just about financial aid; it is a step towards empowering our farmers and ensuring that every LiSwati has access to sufficient and nutritious food,” he stated.
Senator Princess Ncengencenge, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting that food sovereignty is crucial for the nation’s independence and economic stability.
“We must prioritize local agriculture and invest in our farmers, as they are the backbone of our food security.”
Minister Tshawuka shared his optimism during a recent discussion with the Portfolio Committee, expressing appreciation for the recent rains, which he described as “good news for farmers.”
He underlined the importance of every citizen engaging in farming activities, reinforcing that collective action is essential for the country to produce its own food.
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“It is crucial for every LiSwati to recognize the value of farming not only to improve individual livelihoods but to contribute to the nation’s overall food production capacity,” Tshawuka asserted.
The loan will facilitate the implementation of various agricultural initiatives, targeted training programs for farmers, and the procurement of vital farming resources.
This financial boost is expected to enhance productivity, improve food quality, and drive innovation in the sector.
It should be noted that as Eswatini strides towards self-sufficiency, stakeholders in agriculture await further details on how the funds will be allocated and the specific programs that will unfold.