BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGG’S PEAK– Hhohho farmer Gcinile Mavimbela has urged farmers to reconsider their farming methods and return to organic farming, expressing concern about the rising rate of diseases and the need to prioritise healthier food production.
Mavimbela shared her views during a food safety and quality standards awareness workshop hosted by the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard), in collaboration with the Eswatini Standards Authority (SWASA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), at Piggs Peak Hotel yesterday.
She called for a shift towards farming practices that place greater emphasis on natural production methods, saying farmers should reflect on how they grow the food consumed by communities.
“Farmers should practice organic farming to reduce the high rate of diseases,” said Mavimbela.
Her remarks brought a consumer health perspective to the workshop, which brought together agricultural stakeholders to discuss food safety, quality standards and the production of horticultural products that meet market requirements.
The engagement highlighted the importance of responsible farming practices in ensuring that fresh produce supplied to consumers is safe and of acceptable quality.
NAMBoard, SWASA and ITC’s collaboration also provided a platform to raise awareness among farmers and other value-chain players about standards that support consumer confidence and improve access to markets.
Mavimbela’s call underscored the need for continued conversations about sustainable agriculture and the role farmers can play in producing safe food. While organic farming can reduce reliance on certain synthetic agricultural inputs, its direct effect on disease rates depends on the specific health risks involved and requires scientific evidence.
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(Courtesy Pic)
