BY SIBUSISIWE NDZIMANDZE | JOURNALIST
MANZINI – With the bean production deadline fast approaching, young farmers producing beans and maize have been urged to act quickly as a financing window offering up to E150,000 in production loans remains open for eligible applicants.
A joint initiative by the National Maize Corporation (NMC) and the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) is providing targeted production finance to Emaswati youth farmers producing beans and maize, easing one of the biggest barriers in agriculture: access to capital.
Time Is Running Out for Bean Farmers
Applications for bean production loans close at the end of January, leaving farmers with limited time to prepare and submit the required documents. Maize applications remain open until the end of July.
The programme was introduced in January 2024 to support youth farmers with working capital while ensuring they produce for a structured and reliable market.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to:
- Emaswati youth aged 18 to 35
- Farmers producing beans or maize
- Youth farming commercially, not only for subsistence
Applicants must be ready to plant and actively produce in the season they apply for.
Loan Amounts Available
Funding depends on how the farmer is registered:
- Individuals / sole traders: up to E50,000
- Registered companies: up to E100,000
- Registered cooperatives: up to E150,000
The minimum loan is E10,000, and applicants are encouraged to apply for amounts that match their land size and production plan.
What the Loan Covers
The loan is strictly for production-related costs, including:
- Seed and fertiliser
- Land preparation and planting
- Irrigation costs
- Labour and basic operational expenses
Funds are not for personal use and must align with the approved business plan.
Minimum Land Requirements
To ensure viable production, farmers must have:
- Beans: at least 1 hectare
- Maize: at least 3 hectares
These thresholds are designed to help farmers generate enough output to repay the loan and remain profitable.
Why NMC Contracts Matter
Being contracted with NMC is a key requirement. This means:
- A guaranteed market
- Clear delivery procedures
- Reduced risk of unsold harvests
For many farmers, lack of market access remains a major cause of financial losses. This programme directly addresses that risk.
Infrastructure and Documentation
Applicants must demonstrate that:
- The land is fenced
- An irrigation system is in place
- They have valid land rights documentation (land rights or intent-to-lease forms)
These conditions help protect crops and reduce reliance on rainfall.
Business Planning Is Not Optional
Applicants are required to submit:
- A business plan
- Three-year cash-flow projections
This encourages farmers to treat agriculture as a business, plan repayment properly, and avoid diverting production funds to household expenses. Farmers needing support are encouraged to consult extension officers or YERF offices.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted:
- Online via the YERF portal
- In person at YERF offices, Tinkhundla centres, NMC depots, and RDAs
Why This Programme Matters
By combining:
- Production finance
- Guaranteed markets
- Infrastructure readiness
- Financial planning
The initiative aims to move young farmers from risky, small-scale operations into sustainable commercial agriculture.
Bean farmers are urged not to wait until the last minute. Preparing documents early could make the difference between planting on time—or missing the season entirely.
For more information, farmers can contact YERF on 7606 4002 or NMC on 7809 7560.
