…As Eswatini works to strengthen commercial horticulture and reduce reliance on imported vegetables, the Starke Ayres Lavumisa Trial demonstrated how improved seed genetics, practical agronomy and market-driven production can help farmers produce higher-quality, more profitable crops.
BY: PHESHEYA KUNENE | EDITOR
LAVUMISA — Improved seed genetics and better crop management are becoming decisive factors in the profitability of Eswatini’s vegetable industry.
That was the central message at the Starke Ayres Farmers’ Field Day in Lavumisa, where farmers received practical training on varieties and production practices designed to improve yields, quality and market competitiveness.
Hosted by NAMBoard and Starke Ayres at Thabo Simelane’s Kalonjinga Farm, the field trial brought together farmers, extension officers and seed specialists to demonstrate how improved vegetable varieties perform under Lowveld conditions while sharing practical solutions to production challenges facing commercial growers.
For Eswatini’s horticulture sector, where reducing imports and improving local production remain national priorities, the event underscored that profitable farming depends on matching quality seed with sound agronomic practices.
Choose the Right Variety Before You Plant
Founded in 1877, Starke Ayres is one of Africa’s leading vegetable seed companies, breeding varieties suited to African climates and commercial production systems. Its hybrids are recognised for high yields, strong vigour, disease resistance, fruit uniformity and extended shelf life.
Leading the tomato demonstrations, Starke Ayres Sales Representative Gordon Smith urged farmers to view variety selection as a business decision rather than simply choosing seed.
“Resistance helps reduce disease pressure, but it does not replace good farming practices. Regular scouting, crop rotation, field sanitation and preventative crop protection remain essential if farmers want consistent yields,” he said.
Farmers were introduced to tomato hybrids including Amani, STAR 9081, Trinity and Kari, developed for strong yields, improved fruit quality and resistance to key diseases affecting tomato production in Southern Africa.
Key lessons for tomato growers
Select varieties according to market demand and production season.
Use healthy seedlings and resistant hybrids.
Practise crop rotation and maintain strict field hygiene.
Scout regularly for pests and diseases.
Follow recommended crop protection programmes.
Healthy Roots Mean Healthy Profits
Pepper specialist Luan Coetzee described root-knot nematodes as one of the biggest hidden threats to pepper production, explaining that damaged roots reduce the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
“Nematodes attack the roots long before visible symptoms appear. Once the root system is compromised, yields and fruit quality decline,” he said.
Using pepper varieties including Duke, Zia, Tracer and Zinger, Coetzee encouraged farmers to protect crops through healthy soils, balanced fertilisation, irrigation management and integrated pest management.
Pepper farmers should
Inspect roots when plants begin wilting.
Rotate crops to reduce nematode pressure.
Maintain balanced irrigation and soil fertility.
Scout for pests and diseases throughout the season.
Seek professional advice before applying pesticides.
Small Mistakes Can Cost Big Money
Vegetable specialists Sandra Bekker and Heinrich Kleyn demonstrated how poor crop establishment can reduce yields before the season even begins.
Kleyn warned farmers against J-root in cabbage seedlings, explaining that bent roots restrict water and nutrient uptake for the life of the crop.
Bekker highlighted the importance of irrigation in hybrid butternut production, noting that during hot weather the mother plant competes with developing fruit for water and nutrients.
“When temperatures rise and irrigation is inadequate, fruit size, quality and profitability are affected,” she said.
The specialists also explained how hybrid varieties such as Shiba, Arela, Carla and Cilla should be matched to the appropriate production season and target market.
What farmers should remember
Plant seedlings correctly to avoid J-root.
Irrigate consistently during flowering and fruit development.
Match varieties with seasonal conditions.
Base fertiliser programmes on soil analysis.
Protect healthy foliage to maximise fruit development.
Building a More Competitive Horticulture Sector
NAMBoard Marketing and Communications Specialist Lwandile Maseko said the field day forms part of the Board’s strategy to strengthen Eswatini’s horticulture industry through technology transfer, farmer training and partnerships with seed companies.
“Our objective is to equip farmers with practical knowledge that enables them to select varieties suited to their production goals and market requirements while improving productivity, produce quality and profitability,” she said.
According to Maseko, demonstration trials help farmers make informed investment decisions before planting while strengthening collaboration between producers, seed specialists, extension officers and market stakeholders.
She said the partnership between NAMBoard and Starke Ayres is expected to accelerate the adoption of improved seed varieties, improve the consistency and quality of locally produced vegetables, strengthen farmers’ competitiveness and contribute to Eswatini’s broader drive to reduce vegetable imports while expanding opportunities in formal domestic and regional markets.
The trial is expected to help farmers
Improve yields and produce quality.
Reduce production risks.
Adopt improved seed genetics.
Meet formal market standards.
Strengthen competitiveness against imported produce.
Farmers Leave Better Equipped
Host farmer Thabo Simelane said opening his farm for demonstration trials allows growers to compare varieties under local conditions before investing.
“When farmers can see how these varieties perform in our environment, they make better decisions for their businesses,” he said.
Participant Msimisi Masuku said the field day reinforced that profitable farming depends on more than selecting quality seed.
“Proper fertilisation, irrigation, pest management and planting techniques all determine whether you make a profit,” he said.
The Bigger Picture
The Lavumisa trial showed that successful vegetable farming begins long before harvest. It starts with choosing the right genetics, understanding market requirements and applying sound agronomic practices throughout the production cycle.
For Eswatini’s growers, that combination offers more than higher yields. It provides a pathway to producing better-quality vegetables, reducing production losses, improving profitability and building a more competitive and resilient horticulture industry.
As the country works towards reducing reliance on imported vegetables and strengthening local value chains, partnerships such as that between NAMBoard and Starke Ayres are equipping farmers with the knowledge, technologies and confidence needed to compete in an increasingly demanding agricultural marketplace.
