Times Of Swaziland: EWADE DISBURSES OVER E6.7M

EWADE DISBURSES OVER E6.7M
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Nhlanganiso Mkhonta on 07/02/2024 14:16:00


MBABANE – In the current farming season (2023/24) ‘Hamba Ubuye’ has
supported a total of 110 farmers (81 males and 29 females in all 4 regions of
the country namely with maize inputs packages.
‘Hamba Ubuye’ refers to E44M Commercial Maize Revolving Fund that was
launched by the Ministry of Agriculture last year aimed at increasing commercial
maize production in the country. These packages have assisted the farmers to
plant a total area of 978.5ha. Overall, the EWADE was able to disburse E6 744
375.94 million to support farmers with input packages including maize seeds,
fertilisers and pesticides. This reflects growth from the previous season where
only 73 farmers benefitted from the fund and total area of 545.2ha was planted.
Harvested
A total of 1361 tonnes were harvested and sold to NMC. This generated a total
revenue of E3 174 125.40 million in the 2022/23 cropping season. According to
EWADE, it is expected that in the current season, farmers will contribute in the
national food basket and supply between 5 000 to 7 000 tons to National Maize
Corporation (NMC). Eswatini, like many nations, faces the dual challenge of
meeting the ever-growing demand for grain maize while navigating the
complexities of agricultural sustainability. ‘Hamba Ubuye’ emerges as a
beacon, aiming to address these challenges through innovative farming practices
under Eswatini Nation Land (ENL) including clustering of production areas,
improve access to tractor hire services, bulk purchasing, timely access to
farming inputs and extension services.
Supports
The Commercial Maize Project/Fund supports the Government of Eswatini through
the Ministry of Agriculture to increase maize production and productivity in the
country to reduce import of dry maize. The government has mandated the EWADE to
facilitate the project and administration of the revolving fund. It is also
worth noting that in the bid to ensure timely and efficient production, Hamba
Ubuye has contributed five precision planters worth E650 000 to the Shiselweni
Grain Farmers Association. These famers were chosen as the recipients of this
machinery as a means to showing appreciation to all the farmers in the region
for successfully repaying their input credit to the fund, while encouraging
other regions to emulate the same.