˜‡‰‡–ƒ„Ž‡ ’”‘†—…–‹‘ –ƒ”‰‡–‡† ˆ‘”
MBABANE – Farmers who have been contracted by the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) have a target of 100 metric tonnes (MT) in the first quarter.
NAMBoard have engaged and programmed 146 farmers according to their region to grow vegetables for the market with a total area planted of 66 hectares (Ha) in the quarter (January-June).
This was mentioned by the Minister of Agriculture, Jabulani Mabuza, in the ministry’s first quarter performance report.
Mabuza said the objective was to achieve production growth of nine conventional vegetables from 3650MT in 2020/21 to 14400MT in 2024/25.
“We ensured that farmers were advised to plant the correct crop and volume and segmentation of farmer by geological location and commercialisation on potential was carried,” he said.
The minister also mentioned that 273MT of vegetables was procured by Encabaneni Market from the 146 local farmers.
When asked if the utilisations of local farmers have contributed to increased productivity, the minister said comparative to the 100MT of vegetable productive targeted for the quarter, local production declined during this period.
“Climate conditions and high input costs, especially fertiliser, have had a significant impact on performance,” he said.
The legislature added overall wastage of production affected the supply to the market which prompt them train the 146 farmers on post-harvest handling and product quality specifications.
Dates
He said they also negotiated delivery dates, arrange transport effectively, in-time collection of produce and correct storage facilities.
The minister said the target was to reduce the wastage of fruits and conventional vegetables by six per cent and 15 per cent for baby vegetables.
“The rejection rate for conventional vegetables was four per cent in the quarter. The baby vegetable rejection rate was 18 per cent and collection schedules are coordinated weekly and reviewed daily by the market and extension officers,” he said.
The minister also mentioned that overall vegetable rejection has also declined for this quarter at 18 per cent; the previous quarter was at 24 per cent. Mabuza said this was mainly due to the training conducted
defaults and limit outsourcing of services.
This is in line with the provision and procurement of tenders in the public procurement regulations which states that transparency was key in the evaluation of tenders in public procurement.
Approved
EWSC was the procuring entity for the tender which was approved by the authority of the Board. to farmers to assist them with produce quality and post-harvest handling to reduce produce losses.
NAMBoard Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mandla Maziya afore urged farmers to focus more on scarce commodities.
In an interview with the Business Desk last month, he said such commodities are easy to sell and can move at a fast rate and they should check with NAMBoard before production.
ESPPRA requested the unsuccessful bidder to submit an application for review with the agency within 10 working days.
“All tenderers who submitted bids are hereby notified that a period of 10 working days is hereby allowed for submission of any application for review,” said ESPPRA. The agency also mentioned that the tender does not constitute a contract.