BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – The Ministry of Agriculture has received financial assistance of over E180 Million from EU Eswatini for Livestock Value Chain Development, a project that will run for four years (2023-2027).
The funding is earmarked to support commercial farming in the country.
This was revealed by the Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka yesterday (Thursday, July 18, 2024). This was during the official launch of the Livestock Value Chain Development Project, which took place at Lubulini Dip Tank. The project is aimed at empowering them to maximise the value chain of their livestock for a sustainable livelihood.
The program, funded by the EU, will focus on several key areas, including the establishment of breeding and artificial insemination centres, analysis and evaluation of livestock feed, improving marketing systems, and access to financing and increasing the value of livestock, through value addition and hay/fodder production.
Minister Tshawuka expressed profound gratitude to the EU.
“The European Union has prioritised the agriculture sector in this country, particularly commercial livestock production. This aligns with the Government’s direction and the Ministry’s strategic intent, significantly contributing to curbing unemployment, creating wealth, and driving economic growth” he said.
He emphasised the vast potential for growth, particularly in goat production, and the importance of tapping into lucrative markets in the Middle East, Asia, the EU, and Norway. The Minister also highlighted Eswatini’s advantage of being free from Foot and Mouth Disease, keeping export options open.