Swazi agric. minister proposes inputs subsidies, crop diversification

Swaziland's agriculture minister, Mtiti Fakudze, has said that the country can repeat the Malawi miracle of maize surpluses if a system of agricultural subsidies were introduced. He was speaking at a regional agriculture "mini summit" attended by over 500 farmers.

He said that not long ago, Malawi was struggling with food security, but immediately turned their fortunes around with the introduction of subsidies. He, however, stressed that it could not be left to government to introduce the change, saying a political decision was necessary which could only be taken by the whole Swazi nation.

"As you know, it is the people who have to take the initiative as this is a political decision, government cannot do this alone," Fakudze said.

Other factors noted by the minister were the need for diversification to drought-resistant crops, instead of solely focusing on maize. He noted that farmers who diversified to sorghum in the drought - stricken regions realised good harvests despite the prevailing dry conditions.

"Some crops like sweet potatoes have yields 4-8 times higher than maize. Some of these also require less inputs yet they have higher yields and returns compared to maize," he said. He said a changing of mind sets is necessary in order for the country to realise food security.

Swazi Observer