MBABANE – The National Maize Corporation (NMC) says the hiring of at least 150 seasonal tractor drivers is aimed at strengthening agricultural production and food sovereignty in Eswatini.
The sentiments were shared by the NMC Chief Executive Officer, Mavela Vilane, on Thursday as the government owned company announced positions of 150 seasonal tractor drivers.
The government through the NMC’s recruitment drive said this is part of the implementation of the wider national agricultural strategy.
The Ministry of Agriculture is set to provide 250 John Deere tractors, valued at E250 million, to farmers across the country over the next five years. The initiative is aimed at curbing tractor shortages that often delay ploughing for farmers who have already paid for services.
The seasonal hiring is expected to ease this burden, ensuring farmers receive timely support in the upcoming planting season and helping Eswatini move closer to self-sufficiency in food production.
While emaSwati are encouraged to submit applications at their nearest Rural Development Areas (RDAs), which serve as government-established centres providing extension services, training, and resources to smallholder farmers, the deadline for receiving applications ends today.
Applicants are required to submit their curriculum vitae, national ID, certified documents, and a copy of a valid heavy-duty driver’s licence.
Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka, speaking at a recent meeting with the NMC and the House of Assembly Agriculture Portfolio Committee, noted that tractor shortages have been one of the major obstacles in boosting crop yields.
“This delay is a significant challenge, especially during the ploughing season, as it results in large portions of arable land remaining unploughed,” the minister said.
However, he mentioned that the ministry would provide 250 tractors and their implements over the next five years, with 50 tractors and their implement being provided each year.
He said this breakthrough was made possible through a loan to the ministry, by the United States. The minister clarified that the loan would not be in cash, but would be in the form of tractors and their farming implements.
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