GOVERNMENT is prepared to support farmers through the National Maize Corporation (NMC), extension officers, and other avenues.
Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka said under the Input Subsidy Programme, NMC had published the full list of accredited agro-dealers for the season.
He was speaking during the launch of the 2025/2026 ploughing season (Phezukomkhono) held at the ministry’s offices in Mbabane yesterday.
Expanded Access for Farmers
Tshawuka noted that the network of agro-dealers had been expanded across regions to make access easier for farmers.
He said there was no cap on the number of items each farmer could procure, provided they stayed within their budget.
“However, each farmer is entitled to select one crop input: maize, beans, or sorghum,” he added. “Let us be reminded that the subsidy programme is meant to uplift those who truly need assistance because they cannot afford inputs on their own, as defined in the hardworking farmers who meet the eligibility criteria announced earlier.”
Increased Farmer Participation
“We are happy to report that 8,670 farmers were successful this year, up 28% from last year’s number of 6,079,” Tshawuka said.
He added that to complement this support, NMC currently has 153 functional tractors and has contracted 212 units from private tractor operators, bringing the total to 365 tractors.
“We have increased the number of planters from 15 last year to 45 currently. More planters are still being secured as the target is to have 65 this season,” he said.
Equipment and Weather Readiness
“The equipment, together with NMC’s camping system, should ensure kutsi kute lowephelelwa ngumdzaka (farmers are not left without resources),” Tshawuka added. “Weather forecast is good. Therefore, phezukomkhono, let us go out early so we can plant beans in February,” he concluded.
