Times Of Swaziland: TRACTOR HIRE SERVICE ACHIEVES 95% EFFICIENCY

TRACTOR HIRE SERVICE ACHIEVES 95% EFFICIENCY
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Nhlanganiso Mkhonta on 22/01/2025 08:02:00


MBABANE – NMC has announced the successful conclusion of the government
tractor hire subsidy programme for the 2024/2025 ploughing season, achieving an
impressive 95 per cent service delivery efficiency.  Farmers across the country
have been commended for their active participation in the programme, which
significantly boosted agricultural productivity despite challenging weather
conditions. According to a the National Maize Corporation (NMC) Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) Mavela Vilane, who issued the statement on behalf of the Minister
for Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, said the programme utilised its entire E10
million budget, covering 55 555 subsidised tractor hours and exceeded
expectations by delivering 58 862 tractor hours. This surplus of 3 306 hours
reflects the programme’s commitment to serving the needs of Eswatini’s
farmers.
Highlighted
The NMC highlighted that while the subsidy has concluded for this season, the
tractor hire service will remain available at the full rate of E580 per tractor
hour until the next budget allocation. The exceptional efficiency of the
programme demonstrates its success in supporting farmers and advancing the
country’s food security goals.
Vilane further expressed government’s sympathy with farmers for all the
challenges they faced this ploughing season, including extreme weather
conditions such as heat waves, storms, late rainfall and flooding among others.
Resilience
The CEO noted that despite these difficulties, as government, they commend the
farmers’ resilience and encourage continued grain production towards national
staple food sovereignty, particularly for farmers with irrigation systems.
“Additionally, we urge farmers to explore opportunities in bean farming as the
bean planting season approaches,” he said.Vilane further encouraged farmers to
work closely with extension officers at their nearest Rural Development Areas
(RDAs). He said these officers are equipped to provide support and guidance in
all farming activities.
Support
He said the corporation appreciates the continued support and understanding of
all stakeholders as they work together to create a vibrant grain industry
production for national demand, reserves and export markets.Programmes such as
the tractor hire service are part of government’s efforts to achieve food
sovereignty. Eswatini, like many other nations, faces a significant challenge in
achieving food sovereignty due to factors such as climate change, economic
dependency and limited agricultural diversification.
Sustainable
However, the country has made strides toward enhancing food security through
initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices and empower local
communities.
Food sovereignty emphasises the right of communities to produce and access
healthy, culturally appropriate food through ecologically sound and sustainable
methods.
This concept contrasts with food security, which is often focused on the
availability of food rather than the control over production systems.