- Agricultural Marketing Information System (AMIS) gets siSwati name “Nolwati”
Mbabane: A student at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), Nduduzo Dlamini has won E10 000 from the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard).
Dlamini who is a 25 years old student studying towards BSc in Environmental Science was announced the winner of their best logo design of the Agricultural Marketing Information System (AMIS) and won himself a whooping E10 000. Meanwhile, Samkeliso Nxumalo 20-year-old male student studying towards a BSc in Agricultural Economic UNISWA), together with a friend Bandile Sukati collaboratively came up with the best Siswati Name ‘NOLWATI’ and they have won themselves E5000.
NAMBoard Chief Executive Officer Siphephiso Dlamini stated that the new domain name for the Agricultural Marketing Information System of Eswatini is going to be www.nolwati.co.sz. The system according to Dlamini is expected to add undeniable value to Eswatini’s agricultural landscape as it brings under one umbrella all intelligence relating to the demand and supply of fresh produce and animal products in Eswatini.
Dlamini stated that it will also guide farmers on what is already in oversupply or in high demand in the markets. By subscribing to the AMIS, the farmers will be able to forecast their production and notify buyers beforehand. It is imperative that farmers scrutinize in detail, the AMIS before making a decision to offer a particular product, in order to increase their chances of successfully selling what they have produced
He stated that it was vital that all farmers register and upload information regarding plantings, forecast harvesting yields, dates. This will assist NAMBoard with gathering the key evidence needed to control the importation of those crops or animal products that are projected to be in over-supply locally.
The Agricultural Marketing Information System is a platform that provides key data on production processes and availability of fresh produce (Fruit, Vegetables, Poultry, Livestock, Animal Feed) to various industry players including buyers, input suppliers, farmers, marketers, and researchers.
It is aimed at supporting farmers with critical market-related information for decision-making purposes and is expected to add value to Eswatini’s agricultural landscape, bringing under one umbrella all intelligence relating to the demand and supply of fresh produce and animal products.
It gives buyers an overview of what is available in terms of projected production and guides farmers on what is already in over-supply or in high demand. By subscribing to the AMIS, farmers are able to forecast their production and notify buyers beforehand of the expected availability for each crop or animal product.
The system is hosted and managed by the National Agriculture Marketing Board (NAMBoard) on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with several other stakeholders including NMC, Eswatini DAIRY BOARD, ESWADE, ESNAU, NGO’s and Private Organisation which helps with on data capturing, system dissemination and content drafting who contribute to maintaining its statistical integrity for farmers. Until today the AMIS Web Portal could be accessed at www.amis.co.sz
The system was funded by the European Union under the High-Value Crop and Horticulture Project managed by ESWADE. The development of the system continues to bring the best and latest technology to bear in serving farmers and the agricultural industry in eSwatini.
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