MBABANE – Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka has expressed concern that NMC is expected to protect Eswatini’s grain markets while lacking the authority to control the flow of grain imports.
Speaking during the National Maize Corporation (NMC) Farmers’ Awards last Friday, the minister said this remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the institution - particularly as most emaSwati continue to buy maize meal and related products from neighbouring countries, a trade that is neither closely monitored nor regulated.
The awards were held as NMC celebrated a historic milestone of 40 years of service to the Kingdom of Eswatini, a period Tshawuka described as the foundation for a new era driven by a renewed national mandate.
Tshawuka said the current situation places NMC in a difficult position. While the corporation is tasked with protecting the local market and driving grain value chain development, the inflow of foreign grain products remains largely outside its jurisdiction.“NMC is not being able to control what comes through the borders, while they have the responsibility to protect the local market and develop grain value chains,” he noted.
The minister stressed that this issue is central to the kingdom’s drive for grain sovereignty, a national priority emphasised by His Majesty King Mswati III during the People’s Parliament under the nkwe mandate.
Tshawuka said the King’s directive for Eswatini to accelerate progress towards grain self-sufficiency is not symbolic but practical.
“It speaks directly to our farmers, our fields, our policies and institutions such as NMC,” he said. “It is a call to ensure that our country produces enough maize and beans to feed itself.”
Reviewing the past year, the minister highlighted that harsh regional weather patterns once again revealed the vulnerability of food systems—a reminder that food insecurity is a national risk, not just an agricultural concern.
Despite these pressures, NMC delivered what he called significant signs of progress. Through stronger coordination with regional partners, enhanced operational systems, and intensified farmer support, the corporation showed greater adaptability than in previous years. Tshawuka applauded the NMC Board and Management for stabilising the organisation’s operations, improving service delivery, and taking bold steps to support farmers.“These are small but powerful shifts,” he said.
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Five-year strategy to boost national output
MBABANE – Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka reiterated that the ministry remains firmly committed to implementing its five-year strategy, which aims to significantly increase domestic maize and bean production.
“This plan is not merely ambitious - it is necessary,” he said. “If we sustain the current momentum, Eswatini will be closer than ever to achieving grain sovereignty.”
The minister paid tribute to farmers for their resilience and growing professionalism.
He said many have begun producing at levels comparable to commercial farmers in more developed economies, thanks to improved skills, technology adoption and knowledge-sharing.
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Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka making his remarks during the NMC Awards. (Courtesy pic)