…As ESNAU hosts Annual Policy Conference
BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE – The contribution of farmers to the economy continues to be a key investment for Eswatini.
This was exemplified in the 2023 Annual Policy Conference which was hosted by the Eswatini National Agriculture Union.
The conference was held under the theme: Opportunities for Farmer-led Enterprises.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture at the conference was Principal Secretary Sydney Simelane, who has been a most dedicated communicator of the Ministry’s numerous agriculture development programmes.
“Farmers play a crucial role in the economy and food systems, serving as the foundation for the food chain,” said the Principal Secretary.
“Their contribution extends to processors, transporters, and consumers, making them essential for raw material production in primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. It is therefore vital to continually support and promote their productivity to ensure national food security,” he added.
The PS was speaking only a few days after making an announcement reminding farmers to participate in the government agricultural inputs subsidy programmes and tractor hire services.
ESNAU is the apex body of farmer organizations in the Kingdom of Eswatini that safeguards the interests of farmers.
Key topics that were under discussion during this year’s Annual Policy Conference included Eswatini Agriculture Development Fund, Commercialising maize production ESWADE and NMC, Opportunities in the FINCLUDE project for livestock farmers, NAMBoard Revolving Fund and FAO support to the Horticulture value chain.
