BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Farmers across Eswatini are being urged to rethink how they plant, conserve water and manage livestock during the 2026/27 agricultural season, with the Ministry of Agriculture warning that the country faces a high-risk drought season characterised by below-normal rainfall and high temperatures.
In its newly issued 2026/2027 Cropping and Livestock Season Farmer Communication Package, the Ministry says the expected weather conditions could affect crop establishment, soil moisture, crop performance, livestock nutrition and animal health if farmers fail to prepare early.
The Ministry has consequently placed climate resilience at the centre of its seasonal advice, adopting the message: “Plant early. Plant tolerant. Plant diverse. Conserve water. Protect livestock.”
Rather than abandoning production because of the difficult outlook, farmers are being encouraged to adjust their methods, spread their risks and make every available drop of rain count.
The Ministry says farmers should closely follow weekly weather and planting advisories issued by the Meteorological Services and agricultural authorities before making important production decisions.
One of the strongest warnings is against rushing into planting immediately after the first rainfall.
Farmers have been advised to plant only after effective rains have been received and sufficient soil moisture has accumulated to support crop establishment.
“Plant when there is enough soil moisture. Do not plant simply because the first rain has fallen,” reads one of the Ministry’s priority messages.
EARLY-MATURING CROPS ENCOURAGED
Under rain-fed farming conditions, the Ministry is recommending early- to medium-maturing crop varieties which have a better chance of completing their production cycle when rainfall is limited.
Farmers are also being encouraged to consider drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, cowpeas, groundnuts, root crops and tuber crops, instead of depending heavily on a single crop.
Certified seed with good germination capacity should be prioritised, while farmers have been cautioned against relying on only one crop or variety.
Staggered planting, intercropping and diversification are among the measures being promoted to reduce the risk of losing an entire harvest should rainfall patterns become unfavourable.
The Ministry is also advising farmers to purchase seed early to reduce the possibility of shortages or delays when favourable planting rains eventually arrive.
EVERY DROP OF RAIN COUNTS
Water conservation is emerging as one of the most important themes of the 2026/27 agricultural season.
The Ministry says farmers should reduce unnecessary soil disturbance, retain crop residues and use mulch to prevent rapid loss of soil moisture.
Contour ridges, tied ridges, infiltration pits and other water-harvesting techniques should also be adopted where conditions allow.
Farmers have further been encouraged to consider conservation farming approaches such as Pfumvudza, where suitable.
“Conserve every drop,” the Ministry advises, stressing that moisture retained in the soil could become critical during prolonged dry periods.
The guidance also encourages farmers to leave crop residues on the soil rather than removing or burning them, as they can help protect the soil surface and reduce moisture loss.
GROUNDNUTS, COWPEAS AMONG OPTIONS
For grain legumes, the Ministry identifies groundnuts, jugobeans and cowpeas among crops capable of performing under relatively dry conditions when managed properly.
Farmers should, however, wait until sufficient soil moisture is available before planting.
Early rains should be used strategically for crops such as groundnuts and jugobeans, while wider plant spacing may be considered where appropriate to reduce competition for limited soil moisture.
Early weeding is also being emphasised.
According to the seasonal advisory, weeds compete directly with crops for scarce water and nutrients, meaning delayed weeding could significantly affect crop performance during a dry season.
COTTON FARMERS TOLD TO MOVE EARLY
Cotton producers have also been singled out for special attention.
The Ministry advises cotton farmers to plant with the first effective rains in October where soil conditions are suitable and adequate moisture is available for uniform germination.
Late planting is discouraged because it could expose cotton to severe moisture stress during flowering and boll development.
Farmers should maintain recommended plant populations, fill gaps where crop establishment is poor and keep their fields weed-free during the first six to eight weeks after emergence.
Fertiliser application should be informed by soil-test recommendations, while excessive nitrogen application during dry conditions should be avoided.
LIVESTOCK FARMERS ALSO ON ALERT
The seasonal warning extends beyond crop production.
Livestock farmers are being urged to prepare early for possible shortages of grazing, feed and water.
The Ministry says livestock health programmes should continue despite difficult seasonal conditions.
Cattle should be dewormed regularly, while sheep and goats should also receive parasite treatment according to recommended schedules and professional advice.
Farmers have been urged to maintain annual livestock vaccination programmes, with particular attention given to diseases including Blackquarter and Botulism.
Goats and sheep should also be vaccinated against pulpy kidney.
The Ministry cautions livestock owners against waiting until diseases strike before taking action.
FARMERS TOLD TO STORE FEED EARLY
Feed conservation has become another priority.
Farmers are encouraged to identify areas suitable for hay production and protect such areas to allow grass to regenerate and accumulate enough biomass.
Grass should be conserved as hay where possible, while crop residues should be preserved for livestock feeding.
Other feed sources identified in the Ministry’s advice include cereal and legume crop residues, fresh maize stalks, sugarcane tops and suitable agro-industrial by-products.
Mineral and vitamin supplementation may also be required depending on livestock needs.
The advice is particularly important for pregnant, lactating, young and poorly conditioned animals, which the Ministry says should receive priority when feed becomes limited.
“Do not wait until livestock become weak. Start supplementary feeding early,” the Ministry advises.
FARMERS URGED TO MANAGE HERD NUMBERS
The Ministry is also encouraging farmers to keep livestock numbers at manageable and productive levels.
Under difficult grazing conditions, farmers may consider selling old, barren, repeatedly aborting or otherwise unproductive animals while they are still in reasonable body condition.
Income generated through such sales can then be used to support productive animals through supplementary feeding.
The approach could also reduce pressure on already limited grazing resources.
Animals should further be separated according to body condition, age, production stage and class so that weaker animals are not disadvantaged during feeding.
Young animals, pregnant animals, lactating animals and weak livestock should receive special attention.
EARLY WEANING MAY SAVE COWS, CALVES
Where feed shortages become severe, farmers may also consider early weaning.
The Ministry advises farmers to consider the age of the calf and the body condition of the cow before making the decision.
Under stressful conditions, calves may be weaned at around four months, while severely weakened cows could require even earlier intervention.
Where natural feed is scarce, supplementary feed should be provided after early weaning to protect both the calf and the cow.
WATER CRITICAL FOR ANIMALS
Farmers are being reminded that adequate safe water must remain available to livestock at all times.
Particular attention should be given to weak and poorly conditioned animals, which should not be forced to walk long distances in search of water.
This becomes increasingly important when temperatures rise and natural water sources begin to decline.
MUSHROOMS OFFER ALTERNATIVE INCOME
Significantly, the Ministry is also encouraging farmers to consider diversifying beyond conventional rain-fed agriculture.
Oyster mushroom production has been identified as one climate-resilient enterprise that could contribute to both household food and income security.
According to the advisory, oyster mushrooms require relatively little water, do not depend directly on rainfall and can be produced inside small shaded structures.
They also have a relatively short production cycle and can make use of locally available agricultural waste as growing substrate.
The Ministry says farmers could use such enterprises to spread income risk, particularly during difficult cropping seasons.
TEN PRIORITIES FOR 2026/27
The Ministry has distilled its seasonal advice into several key priorities: planting only when soil moisture is adequate, using certified and drought-tolerant seed, diversifying crops, conserving soil moisture, controlling weeds early, providing livestock feed before animals weaken, maintaining vaccination and deworming programmes, ensuring safe livestock water, managing herd numbers and exploring alternative climate-resilient enterprises.
The message emerging from the Ministry is clear: the 2026/27 season may be difficult, but early preparation, careful planting decisions and better use of limited resources could help farmers protect production and livelihoods.
Its recommended national campaign slogan captures the approach:
(Pic: masseeds.com)
