PRESS STATEMENT BY THE HONORABLE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, JABULANI C. MABUZA ON FARMING INPUT SUBSIDY PROGRAMME AND

TRACTOR HIRE SERVICES - 28 JULY 2022

In preparation for the upcoming ploughing season, the Government of Eswatini through the Ministry of Agriculture is pleased to announce that even this year farmers will get inputs at subsidized rates. The Ministry through the National Maize Corporation (NMC) shall be responsible for the programme. It was not an easy task compared to other years due to the ever escalating prices in the farming inputs markets and fuel caused by armed conflict. However, the Ministry has been able to assist farmers to have access to the required inputs. The Ministry would like to inform the Eswatini farmers and the entire nation that payments for the input subsidy starts on the 1st August 2022. As a result of the high input costs, those who wish to be part of the programme are expected to pay as soon as possible. This is because the closing of payments shall be done when the target has been reached or at the end of October 2022, whichever comes first. The payments shall be done at Eswatini bank and EPTC. The average projected cost for the packages is approximately E14000 for maize, E12000 for beans and E7000 for sorghum. These packages will cover an area equivalent to one hectare. The farmer is expected to contribute 35% and government will contribute the balance of 65%. It is important for farmers to note that this shall only apply to this current season. Next year farmers are expected to contribute the normal 50%. Also, farmers can pay up to 3ha maximum compared to the 1ha maximum that was used in the past years. The prices are as follows: 1. Maize – E4900 (Farmer) and E9100 (Government) 2. Beans – E4200 (Farmers) and E7800 (Government) 3. Sorghum – E2450 (Farmer) and E4550 (Government) As a result of the fuel price increase, the tractor hour will cost E300 from E270. I thank you