BY: SIKHONA SIBANDZE| JOURNALIST
Manzini – Bean farmers across Eswatini are urged to act swiftly as the National Maize Corporation (NMC) confirms that applications for the Beans Input Subsidy will close on Saturday, 7 February 2026. The update comes at a critical time in the agricultural calendar, with February identified as the optimal planting window for beans to ensure good yields and productivity.
In a public notice issued today, NMC says application forms remain available at Rural Development Areas (RDAs) nationwide, encouraging farmers who have not yet applied to do so without delay. The corporation warned that late applications could result in delayed planting, ultimately undermining the purpose of the subsidy programme.
Aligning Support With the Planting Season
According to NMC, the application period has been deliberately aligned with the recommended bean planting window in February. Timely access to inputs is essential for farmers to plant on time, manage weeds effectively in the early growth stages, and maximise yields.
Communications Officer at the National Maize Corporation, Lungelo Nkambuke urges farmers to visit their nearest RDA as soon as possible. “Delays in applications can lead to late planting, which reduces productivity and defeats the objective of the subsidy,” she said. She further encouraged farmers to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria before submitting their applications, noting that failure to do so could result in applications being declined.
Eligibility Criteria
Farmers applying for the bean input subsidy must meet the following conditions:
- Be aged 18 to 35 years
- Have at least 1 hectare of land suitable for bean production
- Possess well-fenced land
- Have an irrigation system in place
- Provide valid land rights documentation
- Intend to plant beans within the February planting window
- Have a business plan for their farming enterprise
- Submit 3-year cash flow projections demonstrating financial planning and sustainability
Nkambule advised farmers to consult extension officers at RDAs for clarification on requirements before submitting applications.
Lessons From January: Preparedness Matters
The latest update builds on issues highlighted earlier this year when Agribusiness reported on bean production loans introduced in January 2024, aimed at supporting youth farmers with working capital while linking them to structured markets. That programme revealed a recurring challenge across the sector: many farmers struggle to meet deadlines due to late preparation of documents, infrastructure gaps, and incomplete planning.
While the earlier programme focused on youth production loans, with bean loan applications closing at the end of January and maize loans running until July, the bean input subsidy serves a complementary role by easing access to essential inputs at the start of the season. Both initiatives underline the same message: preparedness determines participation.
What Farmers Need to Do
For the bean input subsidy, farmers are advised to:
- Collect and submit application forms at their nearest RDA
- Apply before 7 February 2026
- Confirm that they meet all eligibility requirements
Ensure readiness to plant within the February window
Extension officers continue to play a key role in guiding farmers through application requirements and agronomic best practices to ensure the subsidy translates into real production gains.
Productivity, Not Just Support
Nkambule emphasised that the subsidy is designed to boost national bean production, not merely distribute inputs. Late planting, even when inputs are available, often leads to poor yields and reduced returns for farmers. The corporation’s message echoes a broader shift in agricultural support programmes, moving from emergency assistance toward timely, productivity-driven interventions that reward preparedness and commercial thinking.
Final Call to Farmers
With less than three days before applications close, bean farmers are encouraged not to wait until the last minute. Early action could be the difference between planting on time and missing the season altogether. For farmers seeking clarification or assistance, NMC and extension services remain available through RDAs across the country.
