Mbabane – The National Maize Corporation (NMC) has been allocated E59.2 million to fund the farming input subsidy programme, which is expected to benefit more than 8,000 farmers across Eswatini.
With the 2025/2026 farming season up, the government explained that the Farming Input Subsidy programme is designed to support farmers with essential inputs for maize, beans, and sorghum production. The subsidy is structured to cater for half-hectare (0.5ha) and one-hectare (1ha) plots.
Last season, 6,079 farmers benefited under the programme, with the government easing the burden of input costs.
Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, said the bean package which had been budgeted at E9,200, eventually cost E11,400 due to escalating prices.
The E2,200 shortfall was fully covered by the government.
The NMC said for maize production, a farmer cultivating 0.5 hectares will receive three 5kg packs of seed, three 50kg bags of fertiliser (2:3:2 (37)), two 50kg bags of LAN, and ten 50kg bags of dolomitic lime. Those working on a full hectare will be allocated six 5kg seed packs, six 50kg fertiliser bags, four 50kg LAN bags, and twenty 50kg lime bags.
Bean farmers are also set to benefit. A 0.5-hectare package includes seven 5kg packs of seed, two 50kg fertiliser bags, two 50kg LAN bags, and ten 50kg lime bags. On a hectare, the package is doubled, providing seven 10kg seed packs, four 50kg fertiliser bags, four 50kg LAN bags, and ten 50kg lime bags.
For sorghum cultivation, the 0.5-hectare package contains one 5kg seed pack, one 50kg fertiliser bag, one 50kg LAN bag, and ten 50kg lime bags. The one-hectare package provides two 5kg seed packs, two 50kg fertiliser bags, two 50kg LAN bags, and twenty 50kg lime bags.
Tractor hire services are also available at E580 per hour with each farmer is expected to pay E400 per hour and the government contributing the E180. Farmers are advised to register with their extension officers before making a payment.
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