LUSIP II BANANA PLANTING INITIATIVE ACHIEVES 65.7% PROGRESS

MBABANE - The Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP II) continues to transform Eswatini’s agricultural landscape with its ambitious banana planting initiative. Aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and empowering smallholder farmers, the project has already achieved remarkable progress, planting 328.7 hectares of bananas.
This achievement represents 65.7 per cent of the overall target of 500 hectares, marking a significant milestone in the initiative. The project’s success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of participating farms and their commitment to meeting planting goals. Below is a breakdown of the progress across various farms under the initiative:

• Vulematfuba Farm: This farm has achieved full plantation status, covering all 37 hectares allocated to it. Vulematfuba serves as a benchmark for other farms, showcasing efficient land utilisation and management.

• Phushabhobo and Seeds Farms: Each of these farms has planted 21.1 hectares of bananas. Although smaller in scale compared to others, they demonstrate steady progress and adherence to project timelines.

• Magatja Farm: Successfully planted 25.2 hectares, contributing to the collective success of the project.

• Ngcongco Farm: Achieved substantial progress, planting 36.1 hectares of bananas.

• Malabane Farm: This farm stands out for its extensive coverage, having planted 45.1 hectares.

• Ntubane Farm: Nearing completion, this farm has planted 36.7 hectares, placing it among the top-performing contributors.

• Ntokozweni Farm: Progressed with 43.2 hectares planted, showing resilience and commitment.

• Gangakhulu Farm: With 30.8 hectares planted, this farm has made notable contributions to the overall progress.

• Sikhutsele Farm: Planted 32.4 hectares, further adding to the project’s success. The LUSIP II banana planting initiative is more than just an agricultural programme it is a transformative project aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers and contributing to food security. By providing irrigation infrastructure and technical support, the initiative empowers farmers to enhance productivity and adopt sustainable farming practices.

Bananas, a high-value cash crop, are central to this project due to their profitability and adaptability to the region’s climatic conditions. With the initiative on track to meet its target, the economic benefits for participating farmers and the nation as a whole are becoming increasingly evident.

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