BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – It has been revealed that Eswatini has imported over 300 000 metric tons of fruits and vegetables, amounting to E2.2 billion.
This was a clear indication that our country is a net exporter of jobs in agriculture, which presents clear-cut opportunities for young people
The information was revealed by Junior Achievement (JA) Alumni Phetsile Mabuza during the Youth in Agriculture Indaba.
Mabuza mentioned that this was during the financial year, which ended on March 31, 2023, the country.
She mentioned that Eswatini has a competitive advantage on the production of some fruits and vegetables.
These are potatoes, onions, carrots, tomatoes, beetroot, green beans, peas, baby corn, chilies, and baby marrows. He challenged young farmers with interest in horticulture to consider venturing into these commodities.
She also noted that challenges young farmers have faced have been the lack of access to funding.
“NAMBoard took the initiative to assist in addressing this challenge. A partnership has been established with Eswatini Bank, where a Horticulture Revolving Fund was established to enhance access to credit without the need for a deposit or collateral by the farmers,” said Mabuza.
Worth mentioning is that, a Horticulture Input Subsidy has also been established to cushion farmers on the high cost of farming inputs, where they are provided with a 40 percent subsidy from NAMBoard.
She further mentioned profitable opportunities that existed in value addition, and these included processing and packaging.
Mabuza concluded his remarks by appreciating the Honourable Minister for Agriculture Jabulani ‘Buy Cash’ Mabuza for his vision and conviction towards the hosting of Youth in Agriculture Indaba.
