Filling the Garlic and Onion Gap: How Hensley Msibi is Revolutionising Farming with Drip Irrigation -

[Adapted from article first published by the Times of Eswatini]

In Eswatini, garlic and onions are everyday staples, yet the market faces a shortage of locally-grown produce. Hensley Mpendulo Msibi from Mafutseni area, KaBhudla, saw this gap and took action. Specialising in garlic and onion farming, he is addressing this demand while introducing modern farming techniques like drip irrigation, ensuring sustainable productivity and making a lasting impact on the local agriculture scene. His achievements earned him the Agriculture Personality of the Year award at the 2021 Social Media Awards, organised by Swazi Boy Entertainment.

A Farming Background

Hensley Msibi grew up in Simunye, Lusoti village, where agriculture was an integral part of daily life. The sugar cane fields and backyard gardens surrounding him shaped his passion for farming.

“We always had a good garden at home, ever since we stayed at Lusoti. My late father, an engineer by profession, also loved agriculture. His passion inspired me, and now my mother shares the same enthusiasm for having a good garden wherever she stays,” Msibi recalls.

Acquiring Skills

Msibi has developed an array of agricultural skills over the years, particularly focused on learning and adapting various farming techniques. “I’ve acquired a lot of skills through the years and gained ways to apply them after seeing what worked and what didn’t,” he says.

Visiting multiple farms across the country further broadened his understanding. “I have learnt new skills and knowledge, like drip irrigation and later fertiliser use, to apply in better farming methods.”

Discovering the Garlic and Onion Opportunity

Through research, Msibi identified a gap in the market: the lack of high-quality locally-produced garlic and onions. Most of the products on the market were imported, and with their growing demand, he saw an opportunity for local farmers.

Essential Tips for Garlic Farming

Wherever you plant garlic, Msibi stresses the importance of keeping in mind its environmental needs. Garlic requires cool temperatures of around 32°C during its first two months of growth to establish strong root systems. Here are some of Msibi’s essential tips:

How to Plant Garlic:

Plant garlic in full sun.
Soil: Choose loose, humus-rich soil that is well-drained.
Plant in raised or mounded beds if your area has heavy soil that will freeze in winter.
Garlic prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Msibi’s Tips for Success in Farming:

Always be ready to learn from anyone and your mistakes.
Ask for help from relevant people. Don’t assume that asking a sugar cane farmer about vegetable production is relevant.
Do your research from internet sources and relevant books.
Specialise in one or two crops in your first few years to master how to grow them well.
Take soil samples for testing. Use agricultural research centres for the best results.
Keep yourself updated about the products and life cycle of the crops you are growing.
Experience is the best teacher. Try different techniques and, even if you fail, don’t give up.

Through his farming journey, Hensley Msibi is filling the gap in local garlic and onion production, offering insight into how a little foresight and dedication can lead to a fruitful harvest.

Reach out to Msibi: 76916904/79144370

““We always had a good garden at home, ever since we stayed at Lusoti. My late father, an engineer by profession, also loved agriculture. His passion inspired me, and now my mother shares the same enthusiasm for having a good garden wherever she stays,” Msibi recalls.”
Elliot Forson