BY MTHOKOZISI HLATJWAKO
MBABANE – In a move set to boost food security and support local farmers, Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, has officially launched the 2025/26 Farming Input and Tractor Hire Subsidy Programme.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture Boardroom, signaling government’s continued commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening Eswatini’s agricultural sector.
Affordable Inputs for Farmers
Tshawuka unveiled the subsidised input packages for the season, which will help smallholder and commercial farmers access quality seeds at reduced costs. The packages are as follows:
- White Maize – E6 000
- Red Speckled Beans – E6 000
- Sorghum – E3 200
These subsidies are designed to encourage farmers to increase production, reduce input costs, and ultimately enhance household and national food reserves.
Tractor Hire Service Boost
Alongside input subsidies, the programme also provides tractor hire services to ensure farmers are not held back by lack of mechanization. By making ploughing more affordable and accessible, the initiative is expected to boost yields and ease the burden of preparing land for cultivation.
Driving Growth and Food Security
Tshawuka emphasized that the programme is part of government’s broader strategy to improve food security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate rural economies. He encouraged farmers to take full advantage of the subsidy to expand production and contribute to Eswatini’s agricultural transformation.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and with this subsidy, we are ensuring that no farmer is left behind in building a food-secure Eswatini,” said the Minister.
