BY SIBUSISO MNGADI | CHIEF EDITOR
MATSAPHA – As the February bean planting season approaches, the Eswatini Procurement Agency (EPA) Agro Shop has announced the limited availability of the AS 148 bean seed, a Grade 1 variety vital for the nation’s local production goals.
Bongani Mamba, Executive Director at EPA Agrishop, has confirmed that the 10kg seed packs are now in stock at the Matsapha facility. The AS 148 variety is a strategic replacement for the previously popular PAN 148. Propagated by AGT Foods, the seed maintains the same genetic variety and performance standards that local farmers have come to rely on.
Technological Precision in Every Seed
The transition to AS 148 represents a continuation of high-standard agricultural inputs provided by AGT Foods. The company is known for its rigorous quality control, operating one of the first private laboratories in South Africa that adheres strictly to International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules. This ensures that every bag of seed meets high standards for purity and germination.
Furthermore, AGT Foods utilizes advanced AgriCOTE® seed treatment. This unique coating provides added nutrition and protection against insects and fungi, which significantly improves seedling survival and ensures the seed-to-soil contact necessary for a successful crop establishment.
Supporting National Food Security
The availability of these seeds aligns with the Government’s “Phezumkhona” initiative, which calls on farmers to increase local production to reduce the country’s reliance on food imports. To further support this mission, the Minister of Agriculture has announced input subsidies under the “Hambubuye” programme, facilitated through the National Maize Corporation (NMC) and the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE).
The Eswatini Procurement Agency plays a critical role in this ecosystem. Beyond retail, the agency is dedicated to addressing national food security concerns and revolutionizing procurement through dynamic global supply networks. By employing over 80 Emaswati, the agency also contributes to the economic empowerment and poverty alleviation required for long-term regional stability.
A Call to Action for Farmers
With rainfall subsiding and the planting window narrowing, Mamba emphasized the urgency of securing inputs. “Farmers who bought it last year are already coming back to purchase it again, which confirms its performance,” Mamba stated, referring to the seed as “Eswatini’s gold.”
The EPA Agro Shop, located at the Frontline Complex in the Matsapha Industrial Site, expects stocks to move quickly. Farmers are encouraged to visit the shop before the end of February, as the limited stock will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
