In a commendable display of effective management, the Central Co-operative Union (CCU) has been lauded for its successful administration of the farming input subsidy programme. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini expressed his appreciation for the CCU’s role in ensuring farmers’ access to affordable agricultural inputs, hailing their efforts as instrumental in supporting the agricultural sector.

Established in 1971, the Swaziland Farmers Co-operative Union (SWAFCU), operating under the mandate of the CCU, played a pivotal role in facilitating access to essential farming inputs for local farmers. Prime Minister Dlamini emphasized the crucial role played by the CCU in providing affordable inputs to farmers, contrasting the current landscape where prices have soared, placing a financial strain on agricultural producers.

Addressing concerns raised by businessman Bongani Mamba regarding food insecurity and price manipulation within the agricultural sector, Prime Minister Dlamini acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He expressed concern over reports of businesses engaging in price manipulation, exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers and threatening food security in the country.

Echoing these sentiments, Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka underscored the need for urgent intervention to address the supply-demand imbalance in the input subsidy programme. Minister Tshawuka highlighted instances where essential inputs had become unaffordable for small-scale farmers, citing firsthand observations of the program’s shortcomings.

Minister Tshawuka’s candid acknowledgment of the program’s challenges signals a commitment to addressing systemic issues and ensuring the effective implementation of agricultural policies. As stakeholders continue to grapple with the complexities of food security and agricultural sustainability, collaborative efforts between government agencies and co-operative unions like the CCU will be essential in driving positive change and fostering a thriving agricultural sector.