BY PHESHEYA KUNENE - EDITOR
ESIBAYENI LODGE – Sibonginkhosi Johnson, 32, from Sicunusa, stood proudly on stage at Esibayeni Lodge as the Overall Top Farmer at the 2025 National Maize Corporation (NMC) Farmers Awards, walking away with farming inputs valued at E40 000, a trophy, and a certificate.
Delivering an impressive 258.08 tonnes of maize to NMC this season, Johnson attributed his success to discipline, strategic planning, and the Hamba Ubuye Commercial Maize Project under EWADE.
“Maize farming is challenging, but perseverance pays off. Every seed planted is a commitment to feeding our communities and contributing to the nation’s food security,” Johnson said.
“I am proud that my work shows that with the right support, Eswatini farmers can compete and thrive.”
Triple Celebration: Farmers, Legacy, and Excellence
The event marked a triple milestone for NMC, 40 years of service to the Kingdom, 10 years of the Farmers Awards, and the recognition of top-performing maize and bean farmers.
The ceremony brought together the Ministry of Agriculture, development partners, agro-dealers, financiers, and farmers in a celebration of resilience, innovation, and productivity.
In total, winners shared E292 500 in prizes, with several farmers collecting multiple awards for excellence across different categories.
Mfanasibili Khumalo, for instance, walked away with E35 000 for highest maize productivity and another prize as Best Private Tractor Owner, while Thandi Nhlabatsi earned recognition both as the Woman Farmer with highest maize productivity and for third place in highest productivity, reflecting her consistent performance in the sector.
“This recognition motivates us to push further. It’s not just about the prize, it’s about the knowledge, exposure, and encouragement to farm smarter and increase yields,” said Thandi Nhlabatsi, her voice echoing the pride shared by many awardees.
Government’s Commitment: Food Sovereignty at the Forefront
Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka emphasised the strategic importance of strengthening domestic production. He highlighted that Eswatini currently spends E1.1 billion importing maize and beans, while exports cost the nation E2.2 billion, figures that underscore the urgency of enhancing local capacity.
“Supporting NMC and empowering farmers is no longer optional; it is a national imperative. Our goal is to ensure reliable, sustainable production of maize, beans, and now soybeans, while reducing costly import dependency,” Tshawuka said.
The minister announced E14 million and an additional E26 million in funding for agricultural projects to support inputs, logistics, and technical services. The Minister set ambitious targets for next year: 110 000 metric tonnes of maize, 7 000 metric tonnes of beans, and a nationwide push for soybeans, bolstered by the new processing plant in Matsapha.
“Farmers are the backbone of our food security. By supporting them, we strengthen livelihoods, build resilient communities, and secure the nation’s future,” the Minister added.
Impact on Farmers and the Sector
The awards and government support go beyond recognition. They provide farmers with the resources, motivation, and exposure needed to modernise operations, adopt climate-smart techniques, and improve yields. By delivering inputs, tools, and extension services, NMC and the Ministry enable producers to reduce losses, increase productivity, and access new markets.
Farmer Mgucisi Dlamini, who received multiple awards this year, said: “Winning two awards this season is a boost not just financially but in confidence. It shows that hard work and strategic planning are noticed. We can now invest in more productive crops and expand operations.”
Similarly, Mxolisi Myeni, Top Bean Farmer, noted that recognition from NMC strengthens credibility with buyers and traders, enhancing market opportunities. “These awards inspire innovation and discipline. They encourage us to farm commercially and think beyond subsistence,” Myeni said.
The success of the top 10 farmers, whose combined output of 1 172.6 metric tonnes represented a 28 percent increase from last season, demonstrates the growing capacity of Eswatini’s grain sector. By incentivising productivity and rewarding innovation, NMC is not only acknowledging excellence but actively shaping a competitive, resilient, and profitable agricultural ecosystem.
Looking Forward: Four Decades and Beyond
NMC Board Chairman Patrick Myeni reaffirmed the corporation’s mission: “After 40 years, our commitment remains steadfast, produce more, produce better, and strengthen food security for the Kingdom. These awards are proof that our farmers are ready for the challenges ahead.”
With strengthened government support, rising youth participation, climate-smart practices, and farmers like Johnson leading the way, Eswatini’s grain sector is poised for sustainable growth, reduced dependence on imports, and a future defined by innovation, resilience, and food sovereignty.
Photos courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture Communications Unit.
