By Tandzile Dlamini
MBABANE-Today, the Ministry of Agriculture hosted the unveiling of the New Eswatini Dairy Board, aiming to boost milk production and create jobs in the country.
Eswatini produces only 20 million cubic liters of milk annually, while the demand is 84 million cubic liters. The dairy board is expected to help close this gap and ensure sufficient milk supply. During his speech, Minister Tshawuka emphasized the board’s importance, saying, “The dairy board will play an important role in improving farming in Eswatini.” He outlined a strategy with three pillar,service delivery and decentralization, ensuring food self-sufficiency, and wealth creation. “We visit Tinkhundla and discuss how to work,” he stated, underlining the need to support local producers. He also presented a feed basket initiative that will include milk, maize, and beans. “Our goal is to ensure that within two years, Eswatini produces enough food for everyone,” he added.
Tshawuka addressed the urgent need to increase milk production and urged the dairy board to tackle the 64 million cubic liter deficit. “We need to improve the situation,” he remarked, noting that there is only one factory operating at just 40% capacity due to insufficient supply of milk.
The Eswatini Dairy Board is assigned to search for dairy cattle to produce more milk and some Cows would be sold to Swazis. “If farmers know the dairy board will process their milk, they will be more likely to produce it.” There is also a school feeding program to provide dairy cows to schools, ensuring children from low-income families can access nutrition. “We want to ensure that every child has access to proteins to avoid instances of stunted growth,” he stated. The launch was attended by key figures who are part of the New Eswatini Dairy Board, including Jeremiah Ndlovu (Chairperson), Winnie Stewart (Vice Chairperson), Bongiwe P. Masina, Elmon Nxumalo, Nomphumelelo Msibi, Peter Mfanafuthi Dlamini, Sifiso Dlamini, Dr. Patrick M. Dlamini, and Tony Dlamini.
