BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
SITEKI– Farmers across the country have been recognised for their dedication and contribution to national development after walking away with cash vouchers, farming inputs and equipment worth almost E760 000 during the inaugural National Farmers Day celebrations held on July 30, 2026 at Siteki.
Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, the landmark celebration honoured the resilience, innovation and commitment of farmers who continue to play a critical role in strengthening Eswatini’s food security, supporting livelihoods and driving economic growth.
The event brought together farmers, government officials, financial institutions, development partners, agricultural stakeholders and members of the public under one platform to celebrate the achievements of the country’s agricultural community.
The celebrations were attended by Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka and Siteki Town Council Mayor Buyisakuthula Matsenjwa, who represented the Regional Administrator. The dignitaries toured exhibition stalls showcasing locally produced agricultural products before the programme continued with speeches and the awards ceremony.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Tshawuka urged emaSwati to embrace agriculture as a profitable business opportunity and a key pathway towards achieving food security and food sovereignty.
He revealed that Eswatini currently spends approximately E2.2 billion annually importing food products, stressing that increased local production and investment in agro-processing could help retain more money within the country’s economy.
“Farmers are central to building a stronger economy. We need to produce more locally and ensure that the money spent on food remains within Eswatini, creating jobs, growing businesses and improving livelihoods,” said Tshawuka.
The Minister further called on financial institutions and development partners to continue supporting farmers through accessible funding, investment opportunities and programmes that enable agricultural enterprises to expand.
During the awards ceremony, 88 farmers from across the country were recognised for excellence in various categories, including crop production, livestock farming and special agricultural fields.
The winners received cash vouchers ranging from E3 000 to E10 000, alongside farming inputs and equipment such as water tanks, fencing materials, water pipes, fertiliser spreaders, knapsack sprayers, seed, fertiliser, herbicides, livestock feed, poultry chicks and other agricultural resources.
The total value of the rewards included E360 000 in cash vouchers and close to E400 000 worth of farming inputs and equipment, giving farmers essential resources to improve productivity and grow their agricultural enterprises.
Beyond the recognition, the celebration created a platform for farmers to engage with agricultural experts, share knowledge, build networks and explore new market opportunities.
Exhibitors also benefited from the event, with many reporting strong sales as visitors showed their support for locally produced goods and demonstrated the growing demand for home-grown products.
Farmers from various constituencies within the Lubombo Region were among those recognised for their achievements. Although Lugongolweni Constituency received only a few awards, Member of Parliament Joseph Souza encouraged local farmers to remain focused and continue working hard.
Souza urged farmers not to be discouraged, but to use the experience as motivation to improve production and aim for greater recognition at future National Farmers Day celebrations.
Siteki Town Council also encouraged farmers in Siteki and the wider Lugongolweni Constituency to continue investing in agriculture, highlighting farming as a key driver of economic development, food security and sustainable livelihoods.
The inaugural National Farmers Day has established a new platform for celebrating Eswatini’s farmers while encouraging more emaSwati to participate in agriculture and contribute towards building a self-sufficient agricultural sector.
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(Courtesy Pic)
