Agriculture took centre stage at Butter nice Farm at Kakholwane last Wednesday as Khuba Traders, together with its partners, hosted a successful Farmers Day aimed at bringing agricultural knowledge, products and practical opportunities closer to emaSwati.
The event attracted farmers from Kakholwane and surrounding communities, as well as participants from outside the area, creating a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking and engagement with agricultural experts. Bucopho from different imiphakatsi, Kubuta Member of Parliament (MP) Masiphula Mamba and other community leaders also attended, highlighting the role of agriculture in community development and economic empowerment.
Held in partnership with Arrowfeeds and Butternice Farm, the Farmers Day featured several businesses exhibiting products and services relevant to the agricultural sector. These included Lake Agriculture, Hluma, Work Ware Zone, Hub Utility Stores, Cats and Dogs and Elanco.
Farmers had an opportunity to interact directly with exhibitors, ask questions and receive guidance on challenges affecting their crops, livestock and farming operations. Agricultural specialists also shared insights on animal health, crop protection, animal feed and fruit tree production.
For Khuba Traders, the initiative was more than a platform to showcase agricultural products. It was an opportunity to strengthen farmers’ access to practical information and support, in line with the company’s motto, “Our Culture is Agriculture.”
TAKING KNOWLEDGE TO COMMUNITIES
Officially openi n g t h e Farme r s Day, Khuba Traders Chief Operations Officer Mbongiseni Khumalo encouraged farmers to apply the knowledge acquired during the event to improve their agricultural activities. He emphasised that the company’s approach goes beyond supplying farming inputs, noting that farmers also require information, technical guidance and continued support to make informed decisions and improve productivity.
Khumalo highlighted Khuba Traders’ mission of bringing agricultural products and services closer to farmers, while supporting them throughout their farming journeys.
The company’s motto reflects its belief that agriculture remains central to the livelihoods of emaSwati, with the potential to support families, strengthen communities and create sustainable economic opportunities. MP Mzwandile Mamba also encouraged emaSwati to take agriculture seriously, pointing to the country’s available land as an important resource that could be used to generate income and establish sustainable businesses.
He urged communities to look beyond subsistence farming and recognise agriculture as a potential avenue for entrepreneurship, job creation and economic empowerment.
STARTING SMALL, GROWING BIGGER
The importance of starting small and gradually expanding agricultural operations was emphasised by the Director of Butternice Farm Nozizwe Ginindza, who encouraged aspiring farmers to consider Makhaya chicken farming as an accessible entry point into poultry production.
She urged farmers not to be discouraged by limited resources, highlighting how commitment, proper management and continuous development could help transform small farming operations into sustainable businesses.
This message was reinforced through one of the day’s major highlights, the Makhaya Chicken Starter Pack giveaways, which were designed to provide practical assistance to aspiring poultry farmers.
A total of 10 participants won starter packs, each comprising 10 Makhaya (free range) chicks, chicken feed, a feeder and a drinker. The initiative provided the beneficiaries with essential resources to begin their poultry farming ventures, offering an opportunity to gain experience and potentially grow their operations into viable businesses.
The giveaways formed part of Khuba Traders and its partners’ broader commitment to creating meaningful opportunities rather than limiting community initiatives to once-off prizes.
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