STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, HON. JABULANI MABUZA

AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF A GRANT FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN

07 AUGUST 2019

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR

 

HON. MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

YOUR EXCELLENCY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN AND YOUR DELEGATION

PRINCIPAL SECRETARIES

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

It is an honour and a privilege for me to be part of this significant signing ceremony. On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, may I take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to the Government and the people of Japan for this kind gesture that is being extended to the country.

The agriculture sector is at the centre of the national economic recovery initiatives espoused in the Government Strategic Roadmap and requires substantial capital investment to facilitate growth. The equipment to be received through this grant that is being signed here today will go a long way in helping our farming community to realize their goals of improved production and productivity.

Due to various reasons, agriculture has evolved to rely heavily on mechanization. The Government is facing serious shortages of mechanized tillage equipment to provide services to farmers, particularly the smallholders who have limited resources to purchase their own equipment. The smallholder farmers form a majority and on aggregate, hold a larger portion of land. They rely on the tractor hire service that is provided by government. It is in this regard that as we develop our sector, we cannot leave the smallholder farmer behind. The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini supports these farmers because they play an important role in ensuring food security and poverty reduction through small-scale commercial agriculture.

 May I make an undertaking that the tractors that will be received through this grant will be used to serve the needs of the farming community.

This grant has come at an opportune time when the Ministry is spearheading the implementation of a robust strategy that seeks to grow the economy through increased export-oriented production and agro-processing.

This strategy involves all stakeholders in the sector and we are optimistic that the inclusive approach will lead to the successful implementation and attainment of the desired targets.

Programme Director, Ladies and gentlemen, let me conclude by reiterating our gratitude to the Government and the people of Japan for the assistance. We look forward to a continuous working relationship that will benefit both countries and lead to the development of the citizens. Once again, thank you for your kind and valuable assistance.

Thank you!