MBABANE – Local farmers seem to be doing well with the production of tomatoes in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
In fact, the projected increase in tomato farming might lead to prices reduction soon at the market.
According to a statement issued by National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) today, there is now an exponential growth of tomatoes in the country.
The National Agricultural Marketing Board has seen exponential growth in the availability of Tomatoes, from local farmers,” stated NAMBoad.
It continued: “Following the current oversupply we will be limiting the importation of Tomatoes from the 6th September 2021 until further notice. In keeping with practice, retailers are advised to intensify their sourcing from local farmers and consumers are encouraged to increase their intake of this vegetable because of their high nutritional value and health benefits. NAMBoard shall continue to monitor the situation very closely to ensure that limits are reviewed immediately the volumes fall below the set threshold,”
It further stated that the markets are encouraged to visit www.amis.co.sz and all farmers are advised to update their production records on the AMIS website. “It is vital that all farmers register and upload information regarding their plantings, forecast harvesting yields, and dates. This will assist NAMBoard with gathering the key evidence needed to limit the importation of those crops or animal products that are projected to be in oversupply locally. Farmers are encouraged to take full advantage of our marketing extension service by standing in touch with the market extension officers in their region. Our Market Extension Officers focus on helping farmers make good economic decisions on the production and marketing of their produce. They are a conduit for transmitting market-related information to farmers. This includes price trends, production innovations, future demand, changes in consumer preferences, and further training opportunities. They also assist farmers to make informed production decisions, prime of which is produced according to market requirements, including product specifications, varieties, time of planting and profitability of selected crops,” NAMBoard stated.
