By Delisa Thwala
The Government’s input subsidy program, implemented by the National Maize Corporation (NMC), has proven to be an overwhelming success, as the E32 million target has been reached, and 5,737 farmers have benefitted thus far.
This program aims to provide farming inputs timeously, efficiently, and effectively to Eswatini farmers to ensure household food security and alleviate rural poverty.
NMC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mavela Vilane, speaking on behalf of Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka during a media briefing, said the program received an overwhelming response from local farmers.
The CEO revealed that payments for this program began on August 2, 2024, while the closing of the same was to be done when a target of E32 million had been reached or by the end of August, whichever was to come first.
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Vilane said in just under 30 days, the E32 million based on the budget allocation, had been reached, which, according to the CEO, has compelled the ministry to announce that payments for the input subsidy closed on August 28, 2024.
“A total number of 5 737 farmers have benefitted thus far, with 5 178 and two farmers paying for maize, beans, and sorghum, respectively.
The overwhelming response from emaSwati during the payment period is quite encouraging and serves as an indication that funds permitting the country can reach our staple food self-sufficiency and stop the overreliance on imports for our staple grains,” the CEO said.
He then urged all those who have managed to pay to ensure that the inputs are used for the intended purpose and consult their extension officers for proper guidance on good agricultural practices and appropriate seed varieties to select for their respective areas, to ensure optimum productivity and improved yields.
The CEO then announced that payment for tractor service remained open at E400 paid by farmers, while E180 is paid by the government per tractor hour.
He highlighted that collection of inputs from approved Agrodezalers will commence on September 3, 2024, where farmers will be expected to produce their deposit slips and identity documents when collecting their inputs.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank you once again for honouring this briefing and further encourage farmers to get ready for the season by acquiring their inputs timeously. We wish all emaSwati a good ploughing and planting season and a good harvest ahead,” the CEO said.
For subsidised tractor hire services, the government will contribute E180 for an hour, and the farmer shall contribute E400, and the deadline is when the budget has been exhausted.
The farmers would then be expected to pay the full amount, which is E580 for a tractor per hour. Farmers can make payments through MoMo, E-Mali, or EswatiniBank.
Vilane said the program’s purpose is to boost Eswatini’s agricultural production and productivity to build the resilience of food systems and mitigate risks to food supply in the short to medium term.
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He further said its operational policy objectives and Pillars are scaling up food production and reducing the vulnerability of the poor to high and unstable food prices, enhancing the delivery of agro-commodity financing (supply of fertiliser and seeds to smallholder farmers.
“ We seek to Ensure an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural growth through sustaining economic and governance reforms,” said Vilane.
The program beneficiaries include the people of Eswatini, the poor and vulnerable, who benefit from the safeguarding of food supplies at affordable prices.
Under the input subsidy scheme,20,000 smallholder farmers will benefit from the current 13,000. Farmers and people in rural communities are bound to be positively impacted.
The private sector also benefits from a more conducive business-enabling environment. Ultimately, the program will result in enhanced social protection and increased food security. High sustained and inclusive growth is the ultimate benefit, which is a positive outcome for the population.
“As weather patterns continue to shift unpredictably, the relevance of food security becomes increasingly apparent. Input farming subsidies are integral in ensuring sustainable agriculture practices and safeguarding the future of our food supply,” said Vilane.
The farming input subsidy was formed in the past farming season 2022-2023. According to the CEO, the previous farming season was not a smooth journey, but through the cooperation from farmers, agro-dealers, and all other relevant partners, the agriculture industry was able to pull through.
“As the ministry, we send our appreciation and also urge all these aforementioned partners to continue with such cooperation in this current season and the near future”, said Vilane.
