NMC price hike to empower local maize producers
The Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka has lauded the significant increase in the producer price of white maize by the National Maize Corporation (NMC). This move, which sees a 27% hike, from E4,566.00 to E5,800.00 per metric tonne, is said to enhance a pivotal step towards strengthening the sustainability and development within the Kingdom’s farming community.
Minister Tshawuka who spoke passionately about the Ministry’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, emphasized the tireless efforts undertaken to ensure the sustainability of agricultural practices.
Through collaborative engagements with key stakeholders, including the NMC, the Minister said that they championed the cause of local farmers, striving to establish equitable value chains that their toil and investment.
“The adjustment in the producer price of white maize reflects the Ministry’s dedication to the prosperity of our farming community,” said Minister Tshawuka. “We recognize the immense contribution of farmers to our nation’s food security and economic well-being, and it is our duty to ensure that their efforts are duly recognized and rewarded.”
The Minister further cited the imperative to adhere to His Majesty King Mswati III’S clarion call to eradicate poverty amongst emaswati and he emphasized the Ministry’s resolve to empower local farmers by enabling them to garner fair compensation for their agricultural produce.
He said that by aligning producer prices with the true value of their labour, the Ministry aims to uplift rural communities and support sustainable development across the agricultural landscape.
Moreover, the Minister of Agriculture expressed the strategic importance of enhancing local competitiveness in the face of regional agricultural markets.
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The increase in producer prices not only enables emaswati farmers to vie more effectively with their South African counterparts but also fortifies the nation’s food security resilience.
“By strengthening the competitiveness of our local farmers, we mitigate the risk of overreliance on imports and promote self-sufficiency in food production,” the Minister further stated. “This initiative forms an integral part of our broader agenda to strengthen food sovereignty and decrease dependency on external sources.”
Recently, the National Maize Corporation (NMC) announced that they are increasing the producer price of white maize which was a move that was hailed by several farmers across the country.
Part of those who applauded NMC for the move was Muzi Sithole, a seasoned maize farmer from Ngololweni. Sithole hailed the decision by the NMC, emphasizing the potential benefits it holds for the agricultural sector.
He said, “As a maize farmer, I am thrilled by the increase in the producer price announced by the NMC. This move will undoubtedly incentivize farmers like me to invest more in white maize production, knowing that our efforts will be rewarded with a higher return.”
Also, Themba Mdluli, another farmer based in Hhelehhele in the Hhohho region, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significance of the price hike for local farmers.
“The increase in the producer price of white maize is a welcome development for us,” stated Mdluli. “It provides us with greater confidence and motivation to expand our maize cultivation activities, contributing to increased domestic production and food security.”
The National Maize Corporation (NMC) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Agriculture which was established in 1985 in accordance with the Companies Act of 1912 and the Corporation is currently involved in the commodity trading of white maize, premium rice and sugar beans.
The control of the corporation is vested in a Board of Directors appointed and removed by the Minister for Agriculture upon serving terms of three (3) years at the helm of the corporation.