BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGG’S PEAK – Local farmers are set to enjoy greater access to the domestic vegetable market following a strong recovery in the production of tomatoes, beetroot and green pepper, prompting the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) to tighten temporary import restrictions.
From 25 September 2026, traders will be required to source 80% of round and gem table tomatoes locally before importing the remaining 20%.
The new measures will also require traders to source at least 15% of their beetroot and 20% of green pepper requirements from local farmers before turning to imports.
The move marks a significant turnaround for the local horticulture sector, particularly tomato farmers, whose production was severely affected by frost earlier this year.
In July, tomato shortages forced NAMBoard to relax import controls after frost damage left local production unable to satisfy demand. At the time, traders were required to source only 25% of their tomatoes locally, with imports being used to close the supply gap.
Just a few months later, the picture has changed considerably.
According to NAMBoard’s latest Area Planted Report, compiled using information captured through the Eswatini Horticulture Information System (EHIS) up to 31 August, tomato plantings reached 9.21 hectares against an estimated monthly requirement of 6.34 hectares.
This means current tomato plantings represent about 145% of the estimated monthly requirement — a development that signals a strong recovery by local producers.
Beetroot production is also moving closer to meeting domestic demand. Plantings were recorded at 6.34 hectares against estimated demand of 7.26 hectares, representing about 87% of requirements.
Green pepper plantings stood at 1.80 hectares against estimated demand of 2.17 hectares, equivalent to approximately 83%.
The improved production levels have given NAMBoard room to place greater emphasis on locally grown produce, ensuring farmers have an opportunity to sell what they have produced before the market is opened further to imported vegetables.
The measures are intended to strike a balance between supporting Eswatini farmers and ensuring consumers and traders continue to have access to adequate supplies of fresh produce.
For local farmers, the tightened restrictions could translate into stronger market opportunities at a crucial time for the agricultural sector.
NAMBoard has encouraged traders to work closely with farmers registered on EHIS when sourcing the locally required portion of their vegetables.
The Board will continue monitoring production and available stocks, meaning the import requirements could be reviewed as supply conditions change.
While rising production is welcome news, farmers have also been urged to plan carefully before increasing the size of their fields.
Higher demand created by import restrictions may encourage more farmers to plant tomatoes, beetroot and green pepper, but uncontrolled expansion could eventually lead to oversupply if production rises beyond what consumers and traders can absorb.
Farmers are therefore encouraged to register their production on EHIS, communicate with potential buyers and extension officers, and consider market demand, quality standards, required volumes and harvesting periods before expanding production.
The latest developments demonstrate the important role production planning can play in strengthening Eswatini’s agricultural sector.
By prioritising locally grown vegetables whenever sufficient stocks are available, the temporary restrictions provide farmers with a stronger opportunity to participate in the domestic market while imports remain available to cover genuine supply shortages.
For consumers, traders and farmers alike, the recovery in vegetable production represents an encouraging sign of the country’s growing ability to produce more of the fresh food consumed within its borders.
