The Minister for Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, has called for increased investment in agro-processing, stating that Eswatini should process more of its locally produced food rather than spending billions on imported processed products.
Speaking at the inaugural National Farmers’ Day, Tshawuka said the country spends about E2.2 billion annually on imported processed products, including items that could be produced from locally grown crops and livestock.
“Expanding agro-processing would create a stronger market for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses and allow more of that money to circulate within the local economy,” Tshawuka said. 
The minister said increasing local processing will provide farmers with more consistent markets and improve returns on production.
He noted that processing adds value to raw agricultural products and reduces waste.
According to Tshawuka, post-harvest losses remain a challenge for many producers.
He said agro-processing extends the shelf life of produce and enables surplus to be utilised rather than discarded.
He also said growing the sector will reduce reliance on imports, stabilise supply and support job creation in processing, packaging, transport and retail.
Tshawuka said producers across the sector require continued support. He cited inputs, finance, training and market linkages as priority areas.
He said he was encouraged by the strong participation of young farmers at the event.
“Producers across the sector need continued support,” he said.
The minister further noted that the government is committed to working with farmers and the private sector to ensure that agriculture becomes more profitable and sustainable.
The minister said youth involvement indicates growing interest in agriculture as a business.
He stated that policy interventions should focus on improving access to land, capital and technology for young farmers.
Tshawuka described the first National Farmers’ Day as a success and confirmed that it will be held annually.
He said the event is intended to bring together farmers, businesses and agricultural stakeholders.
“National Farmers’ Day will bring farmers, businesses and agricultural stakeholders together,” he said.
Organisers said the programme included exhibitions, product displays and engagements aimed at linking producers to buyers and to support services.
takeholders present used the platform to raise issues related to market access, input costs and infrastructure.
The minister said the government alone cannot drive agro-processing growth and called on the private sector to invest in processing facilities, cold storage and other value-addition infrastructure.
Tshawuka said the E2.2 billion spent on imported processed goods should be used as a reference point for potential local production.
He added that expanding processing capacity must be supported by improvements in productivity at farm level, including irrigation, mechanisation and extension services.
