Agribusiness Magazine

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CONTENTS 14 8 1012 Letters to the Editor 34 Can nitrate poisoning be avoided next time?27 Patricia Simelane wins withdiversity 41. Animal Health with Henco Leicester: Feeding the Growing Pig28 Thulisile Ngwenya eyeing theWoman Farmer of the Year 2017 42. Safika Piggery seize opportunity in meat processing30 Nompumelelo Dlamini: sweetvictory with honey bees 46. Healthy Eating for People with Diabetes32 Pupils prepared for real life atNtfonjeni High School 47. How to teach your kids healthy eating habits33 Khanyisani lightening life inSiphofaneni 48. Farm with Knowledge by Diccon Robinson: Vegetable Seedling Establishment for Good Seed Quality 1610 20 8 37 13 44244 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

FROM THE EDITOR Serving agriculture since 2012 2017 is Vision definitely ourFirst choice reference for business and farming year, right? Mission To contribute to the growth of business and agriculture as solutions to food security and economic development in Swaziland PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR: Sibusiso Mngadi - 7683 8729 NEWS EDITOR: As we were preparing to take Competition organized by NAMBoard Lunga Masuku - 7607 2655 this issue to bed we received an and Ministry of Agriculture, is challenging invitation from the Swaziland CEOs to get involved in commercial WRITERS: Water and Agricultural farming. I think this recommendation will Debra Khumalo, Thembela Nkumane, Development Enterprise (SWADE) to attend get us quicker to food security compared the launch of a USD$24.5 million shot in to mobilizing small-scale farmers who not Nomsimisi Dlamini the arm from the International Fund for only lack the means but also do not have the CONTRIBUTORS: Agricultural Development (IFAD) to assist skills required to do business. small-scale farmers commercialise their Diccon Robinson, Henco Leicester, farming. This project, which targets small- The food security crisis in Swaziland Emmanuel Maphanga holder farmers in drought affected areas, needs urgent attention and can no longer be will be implemented in 37 chiefdoms in the left at the hands of our traditional farmers BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT: Manzini, Lubombo and Shiselweni Regions. who may even lack the right attitude to Linda Zikalala - 7845 0400 learn new things. I say it is a crisis because ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: This assistance to the kingdom could not our reliance on food produced by other have come at a better time when we needed countries such as South Africa is just too Lungile Simelane - 7608 2878 more efforts to get everyone, especially small- heavy. If our borders were to be closed for GRAPHIC ARTIST: scale farmers on Swazi Nation Land (SNL), one day, we would die – and I mean literally. to get involved in commercial agriculture. It Samkeliso Dlamini - 7655 1554 has become apparent that unless we succeed CEOs are in a better position to get PUBLISHED BY with commercial farming, the food security involved because they definitely have the situation we face will not improve. means. Others even have farms lying idle Blinky Investments Pty Ltd somewhere with one or two cows not even 3rd Floor, Sokhamlilo Building, Dzeliwe Since October, the country has been commercially managed. Some reckon they receiving good rains and the landscape is will visit their farms upon retirement. This Street, Mbabane already changing from dessert-like scenery is a big mistake because farming needs a P.O. Box 7777, MBABANE a few months ago to a lush green all around lot of patience and may discourage those us. The future looks positive, especially to who start with their last penny. CEOs have TEL: +268 2502 0013 those who took the Minister of Agriculture influence and bank managers trust them. It CELL: +268 7683 8729 seriously when he advised that we should would therefore be easier to get finance for EMAIL: [email protected] take advantage of the early rains. Those who their farming enterprises. More importantly, OR: [email protected] doubted his message are already green with CEOs have business management skills WEB: www.agribusinessmonthly.com envy while their neighbours have green which is exactly what is needed to run aThis publication is registered in terms of the fields. What is frustrating is that they are farm commercially. Books and Newspapers Act, 1963. even more skeptical to plant now as the Licence and Registration Certificate chances of the rains continuing beyond In this issue, we have featured a lot January remain in doubt – and they know it. of farmers, especially women farmers, in Number: 03001420 our campaign to get more people inspired VAT Number: 100-451-276 Nevertheless, the coming year has never into commercial agriculture. The work looked better. Maybe it looks better because done on the ground is inspirational and Copyright 2016 was one of the worst years the country encouraging. If all our commercial efforts © 2016 Agribusiness Monthly & has ever experienced. I was also affected in could be properly harnessed, exporting our many ways, including personally. produce would be our main activity and this Blinky Investments Pty Ltd economy would grow in dollar terms. Distribution This issue, and this magazine in particular, is about the commercialization May I take this opportunity to thank you Floatsam Pty Ltd, Mbabane. of agriculture for food security. While it for taking time to read the issues raised in Tel: 2404 1438 is appreciated that the focus should be on this magazine. We wish you a Happy Festive small-scale farmers, I completely agree Season and Prosperous 2017! Stay Blessed! Reproduction & Printing that we need the participation of people TVaal Printers , Johannesburg with the means as well. Lloyd Dlamini, the overall winner in the National Vegetable +27 (11) 402 0881 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Opinions expressed by contributors, columnists and correspondents do not necessarily reflect those of Agribusiness Monthly. agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 5

TNEWS FEATURE the smallholder Market -Led Project (SMLP) is set to provide a lifeline for farmers in drought prone areas through market ledcommercialisation of their agriculturalproduce. USD$24.5million has been allocatedfor the project.The Smallholder farmers from 37chiefdoms in Manzini, Lubombo andShiselweni regions will benefit fromthe International Fund for AgriculturalDevelopment (IFAD) together with GlobalEnvironment Facility IFAD/GEF. The SMLPwas born out from LUSLM, which is anupscale of the project and intends on buildingin the commercialization of smallholderproduction, which was not part of the LUSLMproject. The market-led project will assistIFAD pumps in E350 million tofarmers to sustainably enhance their foodand nutrition security and incomes throughcommerciliase smallholder farmersdiversified climate resilient agriculturalproductivity and market linkages.The SMLP is aimed at reducing Rural development Area (RDAs) to offerpoverty and food insecurity through services to target group in scaling upincreased agricultural productivity and interventions to national and regionalcommercialisation. levels. The approach will be through land There are a number of stakeholders degradation, ecosystem, health surveillanceinvolved in the project. They include Eswatini framework, institutional framework for CDP,Kitchen, NAMBoard and Technoserve. The consolidation of sustainable land and waterproject will run for six years and about 15 000 management practices.rural households are expected to benefit.Already about 1 650 smallholderapplications have been received. A furtherallocation of 350 hectares has been allocated TOP: Stakeholdes take a group photo after the launchby local chiefs. About 200ha of erosion prone LEFT: Minister of Agriculture Moses Vilakatiand erosion affected areas will be restored. Speaking during the launch of the project, This will promote Chiefdom development BELOW: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of FinanceSMLP National Project Director, Lynn Kota activities in economically active households. Bheki Bhembe and SWADE CEO Silwayiphi Samsonemphasised the importance of consistent This will be done by processing of data on Sithole.production, saying farmers should be able to the Chiefdom’s resource base, population,produce what is needed by the market. bottlenecks, opportunities and development options and priorities into a Chiefdom Farmers are expected to produce in a Development Plan.consistent manner focusing on quality andquantity of their produce. This project willnot only look at finding market linkages forthe smallholder farmers but will enhance the Component twoupscaling of good agricultural practices. “We It will help in delivering investments inare also hoping these targeted regions will soil and water harvesting at sub-catchmentupscale the project to the Hhohho region,” and homesteads level. This component willshe said. also help to harness resources for market led agricultural production. Infrastructure will Minister of Agriculture, Moses Vilakati help safeguard production by preventingsaid Government is a co-funder of the project erosion of productive land in order to avoidaimed at reducing poverty and increasing silting of water reservoirs and run-offs forfood security for rural people. agricultural processes. Close to 18 small earth dams will be rehabilitated with two new earth The Minister added that in order to dams being constructed. Water harvestingmitigate climate change, it is important to equipments will be installed at householdadopt crop varieties and livestock breeds that level.are able to cope with the prevailing adverseconditions. The SMLP will help the targetedcommunities with knowledge advancement Component threeon water harvesting technologies at household The SMLP will use existing unfulfilledlevel. This will help in embarking on irrigated market demands at the entry point forcrop production in order to minimize poverty. agricultural development. This component will look at investing in value chain partnering While the project is crafted on basis of in order to source demand for smallholderLUSLM, the current project area builds up farmers. NAMBoard and other marketingon ten chiefdoms from the now completed stakeholders will take part in this componentLUSLM project. The SMLP is divided into to link smallholder farmers to markets.three components. This market led project will also assistComponent One6 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

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NEWS FEATUREEngineer leading the way tocommercial farming in SwazilandLloyd Dlamini, the 2016 TOP: Green beans crop.winner of the National BELOW: Llyod Dlamini in one of the tractors at the farm.Vegetable ProductionCompetition, is calling Both competitions are aimed at increasing on a 70ha farm, 30ha of which hasupon executives in agricultural production in Swaziland to been developed and equipped with acorporate Swaziland to achieve food security by 2022. drip irrigation system. About 40ha ofventure into commercial the farm is arable. His main crops arefarming to address the Lloyd Dlamini, a commercial baby marrows, pattypans and greenfood security challenges vegetable farmer based in Sigcineni area beans. He also produces conventionalfaced by the country. near Sidvokodo in the Manzini Region, vegetables including tomatoes, cabbagesSIBUSISO MNGADI emerged the overall winner and received and potatoes. All his produce is soldspoke to this successful the CEO’s special prize. He received to NAMBoard. “I have contracts withcommercial farmer who inputs and fertilizer worth E10, 000. NAMBoard which are so far working veryis a qualified engineer well,” he says. He produces an averageand chief executive of a Dlamini produces baby vegetables 15-30 tonnes of vegetables per month,leading consulting firm depending on the season. Vegetableshimself. production usually reaches its peak during the winter period.In October 2016, the Ministry of Agriculture, together with the In addition to growing up in a farming National Agricultural Marketing environment at his home in Sigombeni Board (NAMBoard), recognized area in the Manzini Region, Dlamini’sfarmers in vegetable production at a success in farming has come about as aceremony held at Mphophoma Training result of his drive and passion for businessand Centre in Malkerns. These awards and entrepreneurship. Boasting of anwere jointly held with the National Msc in Transport Engineering, DlaminiMaize Competition presentation by the is the Managing Director of Dlamini-National Maize Corporation (NMC). Gibb Swaziland, a local branch of the international engineering consulting firm, Gibb Engineering and Architecture. “Farming should no longer be regarded as a hobby; it is a business and a science.8 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

Until you recognize this fact, you will “If executives in TOP: Farm Manager, Mr. Magandanot make it,” he says. Consistent with corporate Swaziland posing with his pattypan crop.this philosophy, Dlamini has applied were to considerbusiness principles in running the farm commercial farming, canal ran dry at some point and we lostand has employed a qualified agronomist the country would some crop.”to manage the farm, a Mr. Maganda from attain its vision of foodZimbabwe. security and there will Despite the difficult times, Dlamini is be no need for foreign set to increase production by cultivating The farm employs 15 full-time imports” the whole farm in the current season. “Iworkers and more than 50 casual workers. am going full scale now because I have“Depending on the type of work involved commercial farming, the country would realized that this is working for me,” hesuch as planting and harvesting, we attain its vision of food security and there says. “Water is now available and I havehave more than 50 people continuously will be no need for foreign imports.” a market. There is just no reason to stop.”working on the farm,” says Dlamini.The employees come from the Sigcineni Further, Dlamini implores government BELOW: Lloyd Dlamini with his workerscommunity and surrounding areas. and all stakeholders to assist small scale harvesting green beans farmers in Swazi Nation Land (SNL) to The farm is financed by Standard Bank also commercialise their farming. “It isand is equipped with tractors and all other vital that rural farmers are given skills toimplements. A portion of the farm is also commercialise their ventures,” he says.financed by FINCORP. “If you manageyour farm like a business, financiers Dlamini has endured a difficultwill always listen to your story,” he says. farming period as a result of the drought.In this regard, he is challenging other “It has been very difficult,” he says. “Ourchief executives in corporate Swazilandto consider venturing into commercialagriculture. “These people have themeans and skills to run businesses andthey can easily succeed in commercialfarming,” he says. Dlamini reckons thatsome of the executives already own farmswhich are either lying idle or not used forcommercial production. “The solutionfor food security lies with commercialfarming,” he says. “If executives incorporate Swaziland were to consider agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 9

NEWS FEATUREPeter Motsa winswith SC727 inNational MaizeCompetition2015/2016In October 2016 the Ministry of Agriculture, TOP: Big Winner, Peter Motsa alarming rate but productivity is decreasing in conjunction with the National Maize RIGHT: NMC Marketing Officer Nokwanda Masuku and and a majority of the farmers are at their prime Corporation (NMC), recognized and Minsiter Moses Vilakati age,” he said. “What will happen when these awarded excelling maize farmers in BELOW: One of the winners being congratulated by old farmers finally stop farming due to old age?Swaziland. This was at a prize presentation the Minister. Also, NMC CEO Sabelo Msibi and Minister May I urge all of you to consider and act onheld at Mphophoma Training and Conference congratulate a winner. means and ways to attract the Swazi youth intoCentre in Malkerns. agriculture for the sustainability of the sector.” resources and collaborate in bringing about the The overall winner of the competition was different technologies that will make agriculture In his remarks, NMC Chief Executive Officer,Peter Motsa of Dwaleni area in the Manzini more sustainable and profitable.” Sabelo Msibi, revealed that his organization hasRegion. He produced 10.19 tonnes per hectare established a farmer development unit in effortsusing SC727, a new maize seed variety from The Minister also revealed that government to increase maize production per unit area. TheSeed Co which replaced the SC721. It is a tall has prioritized investment projects aimed at unit will be assisting small scale farmers onstatured combo-type long season hybrid which re-orienting the agriculture sector towards SNL to commercialise their farming. “Maizecombines excellent grain yields with good commercialization. “These include dam being one of the most important crops in thetolerance to Leaf Blight, cob diseases, Maize construction and irrigation infrastructure agricultural economy, it is vital that the peopleStreak and Mottle Viruses, and Grey Leaf Spot development, green house and tunnel of Swaziland start living off their staple food,”while offering decent stalk stand ability. technology in the form of protected cultivation, he said. He further promised to keep the buying agriculture diversification and agriculture price for maize at E4, 000 per ton for Swazi The second prize went to Mandla Cindzi commodity processing and value addition.” farmers despite the already decreasing maizeof Siphocosini area in the Hhohho Region who prices in the region. “NMC will remain true toproduced 10.14 tonnes per hectare after planting Vilakati also called upon the youth to her promise that the promotional price of E4,PAN53, popularly known as Madevabovu. Titus be involved in agriculture. He revealed that 000 per ton will subsist until the next season,”Mkhabela from Dlangeni area in the Hhohho government had conducted a study which he said.Region got third position for producing 10.06 showed that youth involvement in agriculturetonnes per hectare using the SC727 seed variety was limited. “It is a major concern judging Msibi expressed appreciation to theas well. that the world population is growing at an Ministry of Agriculture for continuing with the farm subsidy programme. However, he appealed The winners received farm inputs such that the subsidy should exceed the 1ha foras fertilisers, seeds, chemicals, grain tanks which it is currently being provided. “We thankand knapsack sprayers from various sponsors the Ministry of Agriculture for the continuedincluding Farm Chemicals, Farm Services, farm input subsidy and humble request for itsTriomf, NMC, NAMBoard, Seed Co, Pannar, review so that farmers may benefit for moreArrowfeeds and others. than the 1 hectare input currently attainable,” said the CEO. The farmers received their prizes from theMinister of Agriculture, Moses Vilakati who BY SIBUSISO MNGADIcommended them for excelling despite thedevastating drought which affected the countryin the past two farming seasons. “It is quiteunimaginable that there was something to bejudged in the fields and that such impressiveyields were obtained despite the poor rainfallsituation,” said the Minister. “We commendthose farmers who defied this negative weatherphenomenon and made an effort which resultedin the achievement of the good harvest we areabout here today.” The Minister also urged farmers to takeheed of weather information in their planningand to incorporate climate smart agricultureactivities to mitigate the negative effects ofclimate change. “There is no one solution tothe climate change phenomenon,” he said. “TheMinistry and various other stakeholders, localand international, need to draw on all available10 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

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Are we ever going to be LETTERS TO THE EDITORcompensated for our dead cows? because I feel we deserve something Dear sir, to compensate us. The government dead much better than this kind of treatment I am a farmer who lost ten cows silence has led me to think my usual k at the hands of our government?after I fed my cows hay bought from that we have been left out in the lurch.my usual supplier. I would like to know Is there a possibility of all concerned A reason for a thing like this has beenif the Swaziland government and the farmers to come together and institute influenced by international norms thatfarmer that supplied the hay are willing legal action against the government any person that sells something that is harmful has to be punished in one or the other. I remember somewhere that Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Bongani Masuku implied that we should be blamed. The question that comes to mind then is did his ministry conduct an investigation or checked if the hay was not deadly. Swaziland Standards Authority (SWASA) should come out of their hideout in Matsapha and be seen to protect us as Swazis. I am saying this because the hay was never checked if it was of good quality. Very soon human lives will be under threat if such glaring mistakes occur if future because we want to see the matter finalised otherwise we will be forced to seek redress after this incident. It will be a pity that the Swazi tax payer will have to pay us dearly if the issue is not addressed as soon as possible. Yours in farming MhlosheniThe Army should contribute to food securityTSir, in the country. At one stage I was looking at hank you for coming up with such performance reports from the Ministry of Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) a concept that will help inspire Agriculture and I got a shock of my life to should come up with an initiative that assist even the younger generation to discover that the government was spending or people on communal land to grow enough consider venturing into farming in taking out over E6 million just for importing food so that we do not find ourselves pleadingthe absence of jobs. It is about time that the simple vegetables like onions that we eat daily to United Nation agencies to help us out feedcountry conforms to African Union (AU) when we cook our food. our own people.Agenda 2063 which stresses on the utilisationof natural resources like the large tracks of Even though I have no intention To the youngsters, staying in the majorland that have been lying idle. to provoke army personnel, maybe the shops until late at night will not help them thousands of soldiers should be used to grow but they should utilise the tracks of land their Form of advice to the government is to these vegetables so that they can improve parents have. Giving out food aid has turnedput more emphasis on agriculture and also their cash flow now to allows look up to us to be a nation of beggars while we canon the beneficiation of the produce that government to assist them buy even latest feed ourselves without foreign support. As awe have in the country. I would like your arms of war. I do not like to delve much on parting shot people should plough and notpublication to team with the University of this because the country is not in any way look up to Mshamndane because they willSwaziland so that researchers can embark on under threat from foreign invasion except end up being fed rejects.what can be done to improve self-sufficiency that a hungry man is an angry man. National Concerned Swazi Luyengo12 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

Swazi NationLand to be used ascollateralIn a bid to stimulate economic growth and bring down poverty levels Swazifarmers will be allowed to use their Swazi Nation Land as collateral. LUNGATMASUKU spoke to Minister of Agriculture, Moses Vilakati. The Minister allayed fears that government his comes in the wake of a proposed “Once this bill is assented is not interested in subsidising livestock Land Use Policy ready to be sent to by His Majesty, it can be farmers because his ministry has a number of down Malagwane Hill to be approved initiatives meant at assisting livestock farmers. by the august House. Vilakati stated These include purchase of dipping chemicalsthat the issue has since been taken to Cabinet and they also get hay at a 50 percent discount.and his Ministry was preparing to take to Vilakati stated that they transport for free toParliament to be deliberated upon by both used as collateral if people the country all the way from South Africa.houses before it is taken to His Majesty to be want to use it for engaging “Livestock owners get free veterinaryaccented to become law. in agricultural activity for support and the only expense the farmers have to incur is to buy medication on their own. In a wide ranging interview the We are currently seeking assistance of theminister disclosed that they were doing it in European Union so that we can be able to rollcollaboration with the Ministry of Natural commercial purposes” out earth dams to most part of the country.Resources and Energy. Vilakati mentioned that “Such an initiative will assist in waterthe bill will be known as the Swazi Nation Land harvesting and farmers can also use the waterCommercialisation Bill. Only those farmers for irrigating their crops to help farmers growinterested in engaging in commercial farming looking at their applications. The Ministry is crops to sell and sustain their families. Thesecan approach their chiefdoms before their assisting interested farmers foreign farmers earth dams are done for free provided farmersrequest can be taken to the ministry to assess if with project proposals and we hope to be have approached us to get technical advicethat piece of land was in good condition. through soon. On these farms government on where such a dam should be located,” would like to have more crops like maize, explained the minister. “Once this bill is assented to by His Majesty, vegetables and beans,” stated Vilakati.it can be used as collateral if people want to This was after some livestock farmersuse it for engaging in agricultural activity for If all the government farms could be fully indicated that if they were to get a similarcommercial purposes. At the moment our utilised the country can self-sufficient when it arrangement to what is given to croprecords indicate that there are over 200 000 comes to food self-sufficiency. Agribusiness production farmers their produce has thehectares belonging to the government. About can exclusively reveal that the ministry has potential of stimulating economic growth to50 percent of these farms have been utilised hired a consultant on land use and his findings boost the country’s reserves in turn.and the other 50 percent is currently lying idle. have influenced the stance that government has taken to lease some of her farms to interested “Strangely, a number of foreign farmers farmers.have showed keen interest and we are currently agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 13

FEATURE | AGRO-PROCESSING Retired engineer helping small-scaleAmajority of small-scale poultry 90 percent of chickens from farmers Small scale poultry farmers have closed down sponsored by an international non- farmers are faced with their businesses as a result governmental organization called Africa many challenges. One of the emergence of large- Works. These farmers have registered of them is that they arescale poultry producers encroaching the themselves as Forward Ever Cooperative unable to access formalinformal market with live chickens sold at Lamghabhi area in the Manzini Region.directly to consumers. Those that have markets because ofprevailed have had to learn to access TPI renders chicken processing the lack of accreditedthe formal and semi-formal market by services to all poultry farmers acrossmanaging to process their chickens. In the country. “We have received broilers poultry processingthis regard, small-scale poultry farmers and layer chickens from poultry growers facilities dedicatedhave been able to supply schools, and free-lancing business individuals for to their needs. Oscarespecially boarding schools, butcheries processing from all over the country,” says Mthunzi Mshwama, aand restaurants. Mashwama. retired engineer who worked for the sugar In Manzini, the processing of chickens TPI also provides services for industry for over threehas been feasible through the services processed products to be ferried to various decades, has set upof Temashinga Processors Investments customers on behalf of the farmers. These a poultry processingPty Ltd, a business set-up by Oscar include local supermarkets, restaurants, plant at TincwanftwiniMthunzi Mshwama at his home area schools, government sectors such prisons, area in Manzini which isin Tincwatfwini on the outskirts of police college, NAMBoard and various dedicated to the needsManzini, by Mzimnene river. TPI was retailers. of small scale poultryestablished in 2001 as a sole proprietary producers. SIBUSISOand was recapitalized into a private MNGADI visited thelimited company in 2011 as TemashingaProcessors Investments (Pty) Ltd Trading plant recently.as Temashinga Processors (TPI). TOP: TPI workers manning the manual evisceration “TPI holds her own in a very systemcompetitive market, by optimising allavailable resources in an honest, ethical LEFT: The kill cones. Chickens pass through a stunningway to ensure customer satisfaction machine before being killed here.through excellent service and excellent They are then dipped into a scalading tank for 45-60product whilst contributing to the seconds at 56 degrees Celsius before plucking thecommunity and being kind to the feathers.environment,” says Mashwama. TPI has an agreement to process14 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

poultry farmers access formal markets TPI has a staff complement of 28 market leader and to expand our client VISIONworkers, 20 females and eight males. “Our base through all sectors of the market. It is We visualize a company that can hold itsemployees are each at least supporting also our desire to produce an end-product own in a very competitive market, by opti-two or three family members,” says of the highest quality as well as develop all mising all available resources in an honest,Mashwama. “In the process TPI is giving employees to their full potential in order ethical way to ensure customer satisfactionback to the community it operates in.” to secure a high level of productivity through excellent service and excellent prod- and efficiency and to produce a pleasant uct whilst contributing to the community and TPI currently process about +/-3000 working environment.” being kind to the environment.birds a week. “We have however under goneexpansion programme to process 3000 Recently, the company has set up a MISSION AND VALUESchickens per day,” he says. The company wholesaling butchery section, supplying • To grow and develop the company intocharges R3.00 for processing broilers and various sizes of bulk packages of quality a market leader.E3.50 for layers and indigenous chickens. beef, pork and poultry products with very • To expand our client base through all“There is an additional freezing charge competitive prices. sectors of the market.for each chicken @ E0.015/hr which is 36 • To produce an end-product of thecents per chicken per 24hrs of freezing,” To reach Temashinga Processors highest quality.Mashwama explained. Investments, contact the Office. • To develop all employees to their full potential in order to secure a high level of As a result of economies of scale Tel: 2505 7157 / Cell: 7602 3143 / productivity and efficiency and to produce aconsiderations, the company processes a 7646 5908 / 7657 1641 / 7605 2935 pleasant working environment.minimum 500 chickens from customers. Email: [email protected] / • To achieve a high level of client satis-“We do however encourage farmers to [email protected] faction through excellent service, competi-bring chickens in groups so that they can tive prices, good honest business ethics andmeet the quota,” he says. “We are able to personal service.separate their chickens appropriately for • To establish a lasting partnership with:collection purposes. Above all, we desire regulating authorities, suppliers, employeesto grow and develop the company into a and customers. agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 15

FEATURE | AGRIBUSINESS FINANCINGA bank with a heart for SwaziBank is proving With a beaming face, sell at least 20 porkers per month. to be a true bank with Sanele Koti Dlamini of Sanele is one of 14 pig farmers who Ka-Dlovunga area in the a heart. The bank is Shiselweni Region comes have already been granted E30, 000 loans going out of its way to out of her modern-built three-bedroom by SwaziBank to help commercialise theirfind small-scale farmers house to welcome the delegation from piggery projects. The project is currently SwaziBank. being piloted in the Shiselweni Region in the rural areas of and plans are underway to bring it to other Swaziland and finance The exchange of pleasantries tells regions as it is already showing signs of you that this is not the first time she is success. The bank and SNAU are working their agribusiness receiving these officers from the capital with Shiselweni Ngulube Association, as projects. The bank has city. The only difference is that today, the implementing agency, to reach out the visiting delegation includes SNAU to small-scale pig farmers in the region. partnered with the President, Absalom Lukhele, who has “A majority of these farmers were not Swaziland National also tagged along to see the impact of the bankable,” says Bonginkhosi Shabangu, Agricultural Union project he initiated with the bank about a SwaziBank’s Agribusiness Appraisal (SNAU) to achieve this year ago. SwaziBank and SNAU signed a Officer. “However, because we work with extraordinary feat. Memorandum of Understanding in May their associations they have been found SIBUSISO MNGADI 2015. and they have been assisted.” tagged along in one of the bank’s field visits “Mrs Dlamini, we have just come to The loans have primarily been used to see how your piggery project is doing,” purchase pig feed and breeding stock. The recently. says Bhekizwe Maziya, SwaziBank’s process of getting the loans started with Agribusiness Manager. Without further some intensive training on pig farming ado, she starts showing us around her and business management conducted by piggery shed. There are 10 sows and 2 Lulote Business Management Extension boars. She is currently raising 36 porkers Programme (BMEP). After the training, for the market and some will be ready SwaziBank further cushioned the during the Christmas period. “This project loans by applying for the Small-Scale has really changed my life,” she says. “Now Loan Guarantee Scheme housed by the I am able to make a contribution towards Central Bank of Swaziland. The Scheme the improvement of our home, including guarantees 85 percent of the loan. The building more pig houses.” She plans to applicant puts down a 7 percent deposit have an additional 10 sows so that she can and SNAU contributes the other 8 percent on behalf of each farmer. The bank’s assistance has also seen the growth and vibrancy of the Shiselweni Ngulube Association. To this extent, the Association has set up a retail business in Nhlangano town which sells animal feed. Members of the Association purchase feed at discounted prices and are also able to buy on credit. As a group, the pig farmers use abattoir facilities at KaMfishane area. “Recently we purchased our own cold- room which can accommodate all meats, including beef, chicken and pork,” says Mr. Mkhwanazi, the chairperson of the Association. The farmers have found a common formal market with Southern Trading Company and recently with Shamrock Meat Wholesalers. While they sometimes complain about late payments, these farmers have a guaranteed market. All they need to do is produce more pigs. In fact, the Association is already in the processing of building its own abattoir facility. They are currently negotiating with government to get access to appropriate land and location.16 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

small-scale farmers Mkhwanazi who is also a beneficiary found a niche market in piggery, theirof the project has built his pig houses using service offering in agribusiness financingtimber at his homestead at Mahlalini area. is broad. It includes Farm Purchase,“The timber provides good ventilation, Sugarcane Farming, Field Crops andespecially during summer periods,” he Vegetable Farming, Dairy Farming,says, adding that it was the best option Poultry Production, Feedlot Farming andeconomically. Agro-Processing. “We pride ourselves to possess unmatched technical expertise Thula Bhembe, a secretary at Mhlanga and experience in agribusiness,” saysMethodist Primary School in Esikhotseni Maziya.area, also runs a successful piggery project SNAU President expressedat her home. She has six sows and a boar, appreciation to SwaziBank for taking itsbut she is planning to have at least ten in time to visit the farmers and encouragethe near future. She wants to sell at least 36 them to put more effort in their work.pigs per month. She used the SwaziBank “I have also seen for myself what ourloan to buy additional breeding stock, members are doing on the grounda water tank and pig feed. She says the and it is really pleasing,” he says. “Wepiggery project has helped her take care of remain grateful for the partnership withher two children and will soon be building SwaziBank.” He called upon farmers inadditional pig houses and her own house other regions to be ready for a roll-outwhich will have electricity. She revealed of the programme in their areas. He saidthat she was able to reduce mortality of farmers must consider products that areher litter by removing them from their in demand such as pork production andlactating mother during the night. “The dairy farming.mother usually sleeps on top of her Lukhele however expressed concernchildren during the night, so we just take that the SNAU secretariat was notthem away from her and bring them back proactive enough to match the enthusiasmin the morning,” she says. from SwaziBank officials. “At the moment, I see SwaziBank taking the lead when it is Other farmers visited during the field supposed to be our officers on the groundvisit were Sindisiwe Ndlangamandla and paving the way,” says Lukhele. He notedThulisile Ndlangamandla at KaGodloza that the office lacks resources to carry outarea. Thulisile has 40 porkers aged two its duties. “We appeal to donors to assistand three months. She is looking forward us with transport as we are unable to visitto selling in December. our farmers to carry out proper extension services aimed at developing the farmers,” The farmers have been advised to he says.apply for additional loans as soon asthey have finished repaying the currentloans. “Although there is E30, 000 peg tothe current loans, it is very likely that theceiling will be increased to accommodatethe different needs of the farmers,” saysMaziya. While SwaziBank seems to have MAIN PHOTO: A pig herd in one of the visited projects. LEFT: Sanele Koti Dlamini of KaDlovunga showing off her pig herd. TOP RIGHT: Mr Mkhwanazi from Mahlalini showing off his unique pig housing made of timber. MIDDLE RIGHT: Thula Bhembe from Esikhotseni MIDDLE RIGHT 2: Sindisiwe Ndlangamandla of KaGlodloza BOTTOM RIGHT: Thulisile Ndlangamandla of KaGodloza agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 17

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About two years, Eswatini Eswatini Kitchen and Woman Farmer Kitchen, established by the Foundation a match made in heaven Manzini Youth Care, a Salesian Non-Government Organisation TOP: Eswatini Kitchen Executive Director, Ms Sonia organisations, the entire value chain for the supporting marginalized youth Paiva displaying the FSSC 22000 Food Safety System production and distribution of natural gourmet in Swaziland, was on the brink of Certificate. food is systematically taken care of from farm to collapse as a result of cash-flow fork. In essence, Eswatini Kitchen now provides challenges. A Good Samaritan in BELOW: An array of the new products which are a guaranteed market for WFF rural women the form of the experienced and already distributed locally. farmers involved in the production of fruitsastute businesswoman, Ms Sonia and vegetables. The supply of chillies, ginger, Paiva, arrived at the nick of time BOTTOM: An employee busy at the factory. garlic, cabbage, tomatoes, mangoes and other to revive this thriving pride of the fruits and vegetables is now guaranteed throughnation. SIBUSISO MNGADI visited organized farming and capacity building oftheir new premises at the popular the women involved. “We encourage women, especially those farming in rural communities,ARiders Ranch in Sidvokodvo. to register as our suppliers,” Paiva says. She adds s of November 2016, Eswatini that registered suppliers undergo training and are Kitchen could export its products assisted during their farming through extension to anywhere in the world and they services provided by both the Foundation and the would be accepted. Ministry of Agriculture. Eswatini Kitchen received theFSSC 22000 Food Safety System Certification Eswatini Kitchen modern factory infrom the South African Bureau of Standards Sidvokodvo has capacity to produce 1 million(SABS) which allows it to sell its products to jars a month. It employs 30 people, 98 percent ofinternational markets. This certification is fully whom are single mothers.recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative(GFSI) and is based on existing ISO standards. As former CEO of the Carson Group of“This is the highest food safety standard that you Companies, Paiva comes with a wealth ofcan get as an agro-processing organization,” says business experience to take Eswatini Kitchen toSonia Paiva, Eswatini Kitchen Executive Director. even greater heights. She has already made a mark“It has not come easy. We have worked very hard among international distributors who are alreadyand devoted our time to make sure that we get showing faith in the Swazi products. She has beenit.” The key conditions for achieving the standard invited to various countries in Europe to makeinclude traceability of raw materials, storage presentations and intensify the organisation’ssystems, conditions of the factory, packaging and marketing efforts.fire and emergency preparedness. On the supply side, she is pushing for mass This 23-year-old organization is already production of a variety of vegetables, especiallyselling to 15 destinations including Europe, the tomatoes. “We already have a memorandumUnited States of America, Japan and Australia. of understanding with NAMBoard because weThere are 26 line items and four new ones have want to support local production of all our rawrecently been introduced to the local market. materials,” she says. Farmers are also encouragedThey include tomato sauce, vegetable atchar and to form groups to facilitate coordinatedchilli pineapple sauce. production and increased volumes and ease of collection from across Swaziland. The joint operation of Eswatini Kitchen andthe Woman Farmer Foundation (WFF) can be Eswatini Kitchen continues to contributelikened to the proverbial match made in heaven. proceeds to the initiatives of the ManziniPaiva got involved with Eswatini Kitchen in 2014 Youth Care which supports more than 2000after realizing the synergies with the objectives marginalised children and young people inand vision of the Foundation. Coincidentally, Swaziland.Eswatini Kitchen was in a financial crisis andneeded to go back to the drawing board for a To reach Eswatini Kitchen, contact Vimbainew strategic plan. Upon arrival, she immediately Kapurura or Sonia Paiva. Tel: 2537 3060 Cell:ensured that Eswatini Kitchen moved to bigger 7602 7207 Email: [email protected] Web:and better premises, equipped with processing www.eswatinikitchen.commachinery and Equipment. She furtherembarked on a food safety certification exerciseaimed at intensifying the organisation’s exportmarkets. While paving the way for new markets,she ensured that the supply of raw materials wasalso organized and increased through the work ofthe WFF. The mandate of the WFF, a not-for-profitorganization, is to empower rural women bypromoting sustainable livelihoods throughagriculture. On the other hand, Eswatini Kitchenwas established by Manzini Youth Care tocreate employment for disadvantaged women.As a result of the synergies between the two20 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

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Woman Farmer of the Year 2016 reaches its peakFormer boss of Carson Group of Companies, Sonia Paiva, took a leap of evaluate the impact of the initiative. In his remarks, the Prime Ministerfaith when she started the Woman Farmer Foundation which sought to bring promised to allocate a budget towards thedisadvantaged rural women into a commercial production cycle. DEBRA running of the competition in the coming years.KHUMALO spoke to the pioneer about her motivation to start what has now Although Paiva started off in the cut-Fbecome a flagship national initiative. Paiva, the former chief executive of the Carson throat business world of the motor industry, or the first time since the start of Group of Companies. “We were overwhelmed she soon developed an interest in farming and the initiative nine years ago, Prime by the acceptance of our invitation,” says Paiva. also saw the need to empower other women to Minister, Dr. Sibusiso Barnabas She added that it gave them the opportunity to be successful in life. “My husband and I used Dlamini, was a guest of honour during share with the highest officer in government, to ride motorbikes on weekends and we hadthe presentation ceremony of this year’s the achievements and challenges of women the opportunity traverse rural communitiesWoman Farmer of the Year Competition held farmers and the work done by the Foundation of Swaziland through the dirt roads,” she says.at Riders Rannch in Sidvokodvo in October. so far. She noted that the demand is greater “I was appalled at the level of poverty in rural while resources are slim for running the communities; especially because the people we Although this gesture may have seemed competition. She appealed for assistance not encountered were women and young girls.” Itnormal to many spectators, it was a huge to be once-off as they need to monitor and was through the riding experience that Paivasign of endorsement and acceptance by decided she needed to do something about thegovernment of the work started by Ms. Sonia situation. She decided to identify, recognize and develop rural women farmers in Swaziland by creating market linkages for their produce. She then registered the Woman Farmer Foundation as a non-governmental organization which seeks to promote and advance the interests of Swazi women in the agricultural sector at both commercial and subsistence level. The women have further been assisted to source finance, exchange skills, network and source markets for their produce such as Eswatini Kitchen, where she is also the executive director. Over the years, the Foundation has faced challenges of limited sponsorship for the competition and the lack of technical extension services for the women farmers.22 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

They still face challenges of monitoring and Swaziland imported E89, 6 million worth of Indigenous chickens.evaluation because of the absence of motor fruits and vegetables. 3. Nompumelelo Dlamini Nginamadvolo,vehicles for reaching to the farmers. “Theassistance we normally get is usually associated Paiva has already set plans in motion to Hhohho, Beekeeping.with the presentation ceremony whereas we target the girl child in her next initiative. Her Small-Scale Farming top 3 Winnershave a programme to reach out to the women aim is to introduce farming at a much younger 1. Patricia Simelane, Mahamba, Shiselweni,throughout the country on a regular basis,” age and keep the youth more active duringsays Paiva. holidays. “There is more to life than blessers,” Vegetable production. she says, noting that the country faces a serious 2. Nomsa Sigudla, Nsingweni, Hhohho She believes that women have the ability problem of unwanted pregnancies involvingto positively change their family environment young girls. The programme will also target Maize.given the appropriate exposure. young boys as they also cause social problems 3. Nonhlanhla Sukati, Ezulwini, Hhohho if they are not supported in the right direction. In 2007, she forged partnership with the Broilers.Ministry of Agriculture to organize the Woman Large-Scale Farming top 3 WinnersFarmer of the Year Competition. The Ministry 1. Mhlophe Mhlanga, Lobamba Lomdzala,brought in agricultural expertise and technical Hhohho, Vegetable production.know-how at decentralized levels to assist and 2. Thulisile Ngwenya, Duze, Lubombo, develop the women farmers commercialisetheir farming. The competition grew from 123 womenparticipating in 2014 to 223 in 2015 and 232in 2016. This year, the entries were separated intotwo categories of small-scale and large-scalefarmers. Paiva says they were surprised to seean increase in the number of entries despitethe devastating drought situation. “We wereexpecting a decline in the number of entriesdue to the impact of drought but we managedto get a huge number,” she says. Most of theentries came from the Shiselweni Region inthe categories of vegetable production andindigenous chickens farming. Paiva explainedthat since the start of the competition,women farmers have been able to diversifytheir produce and they now understand theimportance of value chain. Despite the improved skills, Paiva saysthere is still an opportunity to improve thequality and quantity of the produce fromwomen farmers. They also need more capacityon entrepreneurship skills, she says. “The country needs to be self-sufficientin food security and this can be done bypromoting women farmers,” she says. In 2015, agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 23

SUPPLEMENT | WOMAN FARMER OF THE YEAR her compound of that measures about five hectares. With the help extension officersIt is all white… from the Ministry of Agriculture, she was able to construct the dam and now irrigates herfor Mhlophe Mhlanga maize and vegetable plantation. She says she The year 2009 could be described as a was expecting a bumper harvest next year. life changing decision for Mhlanga “I got this idea of water harvesting during a when she had to leave her retail conducted tour with farmers to Limpompo. business she was running to focus Because of the drought these farmers on full time commercial farming project. practiced water harvesting by constructing man made dams.” She first tasted her rewards from her farming career when she reaped significant She admitted that although the pressure financial rewards when she sold her first she had to undergo falls rather beyond reach maize produce. This was her primary of her competitors because of its intensity agricultural activity from a leased farm. A since farming has to be diversified. Her advice few years later, she produced maize on three to farmers interested in diversifying their leased communal farms measuring over produce needs a farmer to always produce five hectares at Bethany. There were two products on demand by the market as well as hectares at Mlindazwe and three hectares risk mitigation in the event of natural hazards. were from Lobamba. A workaholic, Mhlanga, Apart from growing maize and vegetables, devotes most of her time on farming and she is a beekeeper and an indigenous chicken determination, she says, arguing this got to farmer. Since the Ministry of Agriculture her where she was today. launched the indigenous chickens programme concept, she adhered to the call that has seen As a vegetable farmer she also produces her now keeping 41 indigenous chickens legumes, sweet potatoes, beetroot, butternuts, with six cocks and 36 chicks. She sells the spinach, and cabbages on the leased and indigenous chickens to Bethel Court around communal lands. For this a drip irrigation Ezulwini and at Ocean Fresh in Manzini. To system is used. She was currently having ensure her chickens grow well, she feeds her a nursery where she produces vegetable birds with 5 kg mix fowl per day and then seedlings. supplementing feed with 10 kg of greens and clean water. Mhlanga explained that feeding She started her farming career with a loan indigenous chickens was not that expensive as from an unspecified Inhlanyelo Fund which compared to broilers. was used as working capital. This helped her to finance start up infrastructure and farming On the one hectare plot at her home she implements. Inhlanyelo Fund was created has planted herbs such kale, chamomile, to provide seed capital for innovative ideasThe story of Mhlophe Mhlanga within community members. Due to scarcity is like a tale of rags to riches. of water, she was able to secure another loan from the fund of E39 000, which she used No wonder she was voted as to construct a 20 metre deep dam within the best Woman Farmer ofthe Year for 2016. Her life has been described as a symbolof success through her strong farming passion. DEBRA KHUMALO reports.24 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

thyme and mint. She also manages an orchard on a little piece ofland adjacent to her herb garden where she cultivates a varietyof fruit trees such as paw-paws, mangoes and litchis. She alsopractices bee-keeping with 24 Swazi hives consisting of 11 activehives. Each year she produces 100kg of honey, which is graded andsold to Eswatini Kitchen and leading chain stores around Ezulwiniand Mbabane. Last year, her food safety was awarded with aCertificate of Competence which allowed her to sell at the TradeFair using Eswatini Kitchen. MARKET Demand of maize in the country is high due to the impactof drought, selling most of her maize crop to National MaizeCorporation (NMC) and to individuals. This year she sold sixtonnes of maize to the value of E13 000 to NMC. She sold therest of her vegetables to hawkers around Mahlanya and Manzinimarkets. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT She is also passionate about women empowerment throughmentorship programmes meant at skills transfer to otherfarmers. Since winning the coveted prize, Mhlanga has combinedentrepreneurial acumen with her passion for farming to add valueto lives of 490 orphaned vulnerable children under LobambaLomdzala Inkhundla. From her five soup kitchens, the childrenreceive a well- balanced diet meal per day through her farmingproduce. “Some of these children have no one to look after, so ithas become my responsibility to give them a better life,” she says.Some of her sponsors include donations from Shoprite, FarmChemicals and Esicojeni Foundation. She was also actively involved in projects meant atempowering women and the youth under her constituency. Shewas currently having 59 emerging women farmers under hercare. In the future she would like to open a vocational training foryoung people especially those interested in agriculture. agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 25

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Patricia Simelane believes in diversityPatricia believes that investing in needed to start a business from the little I had Determination has different agricultural practices not and that’s when I started my very own business come to be one of the only improve poverty, but gives of indigenous chickens and goats for meat most effective ways farmers a chance to expand through production.” Says the award winner of starting a farmingfarming. Apart from growing vegetable like enterprise for Patriciacabbages, spinach, onions, tomatoes and green Patricia has encountered some major Simelane, secondpaper in a 2 hectare farm also grows fruit tress challenges of water scarcity commodity in the runner-up of Womanlike plums and peaches. area but Simelane was able to use watering Farmer of the Year can as part of her irrigation form preventing 2016. She also rears goats and indigenous her products from wilting due to deficiency ofchickens. Patricia started farming from humble water and another setback Patricia says, was abeginnings in 2004 using her seed capital to heavy storm that hit her vegetables and fruitventure into a smallholder Ever Green farm trees and destroyed her production and sheat eJojo in Shiselweni Region, where she have also mentioned that it’s a call of nature andfruit trees, vegetables, indigenous chickens and very important to adapt to climate change bygoats at the moment. accepting challenges as opportunities. The 58 year old award winner with the help In her farm Simelane uses organic farming,of her husband Kenneth Jabulane Simelane she normally used 2: 3: 2 (22) of organicinvested close to E25 000 in their business back fertiliser but as time goes by she changed toin 2004 for fencing, pipes, ploughing and farm Dynafarm D.I grow green and red. She onlyinputs. Her farming passion is self-evident as applies the green fertiliser to leafy vegetablesshe is applying the same energy to agriculture and the red fertiliser she uses it on limbali.as she does to everything else. She saw the needto start farming in her area because her villages Simelane advises aspiring farmers to enterwould buy fruits and vegetables outside the the woman farmers because she believes thatcountry of nearby towns and that is when she any product produced is a direct response to amade sure she produced high value vegetables market need by that she got help from enteringand fruits in demand. the competition. Her vegetables and fruits are available insome of the Shiselweni stores at Thubelihlefruit and veg, Food town supermarket andThe National Agriculture Marketing Board(NAMBoard), marking a turnover of E10 500per year. She also sells her products, indigenouschickens and goats to individuals and has seena growing market by selling to farmers whorequires large quantities. “Being part of the woman farmer of theyear, I was able to receive all the basic ideas I agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 27

SUPPLEMENT | WOMAN FARMER OF THE YEARThulisile ready forthe crown in 2017 Born 42 years in Mahlangatsha, outsideAn English idiom says fortune favours the brave, this seems Mankayane, Ngwenya did not hideto tell the the story of Thulisile Ngwenya nee Mabuza who was her desire of wearing the crown asvoted as the second best Woman Farmer this year. LUNGA the country’s best woman farmerMASUKU recently visited her place at Duze, Siphofaneni. next year and drive home a big tractor that she can use to supplement her income. Her desire could become a reality because she has all what it takes to rise to the occasion. At her place just on the outskirts of Siphofaneni she boast of over 400 indigenous chickens that she raises in a shed measuring 15 metres by 10 metres. Other than the indigenous chickens she also has Peacocks, Bantams popularly known as (bomapipiligwane), Malay Games, and some of the animals originate from as far as Malaysia and India. These are Indian Chickens and Silky chickens and other types of chickens just to name a few. These chickens saw her launching a goat project that has seen over 20 goats roam her compound. She was approached by someone who had a Boer goat that was pregnant, that person wanted to exchange a goat for four of her chickens. Her goats are transported on the back of a trailer drawn by a Mahindra whenever she wants to take them to the dipping tank. If all goes according to plan she would like to have her livestock sprayed once they acquire their own property. That can be on a farm she wants to own so that she can do a lot of things on the farm. Geese, turkeys and ducks are also part of the breeds that she wants to multiply so that she can also have them in abundance at her compound. Mixed fowl is the main feed for her batch of birds to multiply to have them in abundance. A borehole is their source of water in the drought stricken area but that comes with a price of over E280 per month. There is also an incubator that had eggs that were on28 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

MAIN: Thulisile Ngwenya sitting by the favour her because the amount of hard workverandar of her moden-built three she was putting will surely pay off. Getting thebedroom house. abattoir will make sure that her indigenous chickens sold in major chain stores around theBOTTOM MAIN: A Malay Game rooster Lubombo region. At the abattoir they will seeis one of the chickens she is breeding the chickens properly slaughtered to meet theircommercially. expectations. A fish pond is another project she hopes to embark on soon. Due to shortageLEFT: Thulisile showing off her egg of space in her compound she intends usingincubator. plastic water tank to kick start her project.CENTRE LEFT: Chicks feeding in a cus- Other animals found at her place are moretom-made brooder. than ten rabbits that have given birth. After 28 days she hopes to increase the number so thatBOTTOM LEFT: Riding off in her Mahindra there were more rabbits at her place. In orderbakkie to feed her rabbits she organises cabbages and pellets so that they can grow properly.BOTTOM: Peacock breeding is alsocommercially done here. To avert an incident of a power black-out she uses a standby generator that takes overday number 20 and some chicks were already whenever there is a power surgeseen moving around through the glass of thefacility that takes over than 350 eggs at a time. Once all this has been realised they would like to own a farm so that they can have a The future looks bright for the mother of feedlot and also other livestock. On the farmfour children namely two girls and two boys they will also grow yellow maize and sunflowersince she was to have an abattoir to make sure so that they can reduce costs of buying animalthat she becomes the first ever person to own a feed to running costs. If she was not lookingregional abattoir to cater for the whole region. after her birds she wails time with her threeTheir youngest son Nkosenhle aged 12 would over-locking machines that she uses for sawingonce in a while come and play with his mother curtains and other household items.in the course of the interview and that showedthat there was a strong bond between the two. When she was asked if she would consider standing for national elections should people She indicated that prospects seem to from her community can ask her to be their Member of Parliament. She scoffed at prospects of being an MP arguing it could affect her business so she would not like to spend her time away from her project. Three school going children are beneficiaries of her gesture.agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 29

Nompumelelo becomes a successthrough bee-keepingSeeing her husband Makhosini (48) making a few notes through selling Humble beginnings define what Nompumelelo Dlamini nee honey, she then decided to take it to Nhlengethwa (43) who was voted as the country’s third best another level when she started with Woman Farmer for 2016. LUNGA MASUKU speaks to hertwo boxes. Now she boasts of over 200 boxes about how she started.littered in all the forests in northern Hhohhopeople next to Peak Timbers. Immediately MAIN: Nompumelelo showing off a set of professionally-built bee-hivesafter selling produce from her two boxes she BOTTOM: Relaxing outside her home.then decided to equip herself with knowledge. TOP RIGHT: Helping to lift the family generator with her husbandA few year later, Nompumelelo was taken MIDDLE RIGHT: Her husband making bee-hives in the family workshopto another workshop at Lutheran Farmers BOTTOM RIGHT: Nompumelelo has investeed in honey extraction and packaging machinery.Training Centre and upon return each personwas given 16 boxes. It came as no surprise when she left herfamily to spend a week long training workshopthat was sponsored by Eswatini Kitchen at theManyonaneni Training Centre in Big Bend.Before going to the workshop she had justmade about E1000 from her initial two boxesof honey. Upon return from the week longworkshop, it seemed like she was stung by theswarm of bees and that made her to work evenharder. Imparted knowledge was put into gooduse when she came back through making onebox all by herself without even the help of herhusband. Since she was hungry for success,Nompumelelo wanted to excel like her name tolive up to the meaning of her name translatedto mean that. Looking back to 2005 when she started,she has seen her business growing by leapsand bounds and thanks to the able hands ofher husband who then decided to assist herwith carpentry and driving her around to getstrategic places where their boxes could beplaced. The journey was not a stroll on thepark but she persevered to do even better30 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

every season. Dry spell has not only affectedfarmers engaged in livestock production andcrop production but it has dealt her businessa heavy blow when her produce was greatlyaffected. She disclosed that during a goodseason she is able to harvest her honey combstwice a year. The previous year was the worstshe since she started to specialise on honeyproduction. Thugs are also a menace to herbusiness because people sometimes helpthemselves to her boxes. To show that she wasin serious business her boxes a marked so thatshe can easily see if strangers have decided totake it without his consent. Raising honey is not different to raisingpigs because her bees know the time shenormally visits them and her scent. She didhide that visiting her swarm unannounced canlead to a catastrophe because she can be stungby her own animals. In order not offend herbees she uses a smoker so that her bees do notsting her family members. Since her work requires a lot of travellingshe has taught all their children how to makegood money out of pollen and what othersmay regard as a scary business venture.Winning the woman farmer means she has todouble her efforts so that she is voted as thebest woman farmer for 2017. Serious moneyhas been invested on tools like a jacket bailer,industrial table saw, processing machine wherethey sift the honey to get the best out of thehoney combs, sifting and a jacket bailer just toname a few. If not busy with her honey business, shespends her time assisting community peoplewho want to make money out of the honeybusiness. Like every Swazi farmer she hasover 40 indigenous chickens that she is raisinggetting ready to take on the person that gotposition two. She acknowledged that she wasdefeated by a small margin by Thulisile ofSiphofaneni. Her desire is to export honey to worldmarkets but for now she wants to satisfy thehuge demand from local customers. Once thathas been achieved she will surely take the worldby storm and anyone who will undermine herwill do it at his or her own peril. Nompumelelois a member of bee keepers association fromthe Hhohho region but she was disappointedwith the lack of interest from some members. She disclosed that at one stage ImphaloMulti-Purpose had over 100 members but nowvery few members are still active with activitiesof the association but of late some havedeveloped interest after they heard that shewon big just because of a bee keeping project. Among the items that Nompumelelo hasachieved was a truck load of planks and nailsthat have given her zeal to excel in everythingthat she does. agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 31

FEATURE | YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE are around 722 pupils. During a visit to the school, learners were Life skills Pre-Vocational studies were introduced for Ntfonjeni in 2002 in Swaziland; these numbers found busy feeding their batch of layers using National High have been growing since with boys the two systems namely caged chickens and and girls taking interest in the studies. the deep heat system. The learners are taught residents When it started there were 25 learners at advantages and disadvantages of the two Ntfonjeni National High, with numbers systems because they get to monitor laying Pre-vocational skills are increasing ever since. chickens. Those in the deep heat system use important in the lives of wooden made cages. Simelane stated that living beings; this seems In 2012 there was only one girl doing before the end of October they hope to have true with learners from pre-vocational agriculture who displayed her broilers so that his learners can sell to the Ntfonjeni National High tractor driving skills and how to mount farm general public. tools and machinery. Unfortunately, during School as it teaches a the recent visit to the school, Agribusiness The school has breeds of New Zealand Redvariety of life skills subjects found that the tractor was currently taken at and one New Zealand White. A well fed rabbit Lobamba National High, another school they can produce more than four times a year. to shape learners lives. share same tractor with. It also offers pre- Notably, there was a rabbit that was reported LUNGA MASUKU writes. vocational subjects. Another school that they to have produced more than 18 times. share the tractor with is Motshane High School where learners also have similar subjects like Mfanawenkhosi Sigudla, Temalangeni those offered at the school. Sikhunyane High Dlamini, Lubisi Thembinkosi, Nakelo Dlamini also uses that tractor, meaning it rotates and Manelisi Ngubane had a busy morning between the three schools. where they were feeding layers. At the animal house Form two’s were found feeding New Ntfonjeni National High is among the 16 Zealand Red Rabbits in their animal house. schools that were identified by Government These included Tsikati Bonisanani and Mcolisi to pilot the Pre vocational studies. Senior Dlamini. Agriculture Teacher, Petros Simelane in an interview disclosed that all learners in lower One of the Pre-Vocational teachers grades at their school have to do Agriculture. Zandile Ndwandwe disclosed that their centre They exercise freedom of choice once they introduced subjects like baking, hair & beauty, get to Form four. Lower grades do Modern which includes Manicure and Pedicure, lace Agriculture which includes animal husbandry waive and plaiting, electrical installation. These and also have an orchard where fruit trees like are subjects meant for people who come to the mangoes and oranges are grown. school once in a while; periods are structured according to the needs of their students. Currently the school keeps about 15 goats Ndwandwe stated that after completing some under the pre vocational agriculture and sadly of their learners get awarded with certificates thieves come and steal their goats from the from City and Guilds in the United Kingdom. schools animal house. Simelane stated that Those doing electrical installation have to if funds permit they would like to introduce undergo the process of grade testing with the piggery so that their pre-vocational learners Swaziland College of Technology. can practice piggery. A vegetable garden is currently being used for grazing their goats; Food and Nutrition department consist this was because vegetables were sold to of Form fours of those eight currently doing vendors from next to the school. the subject. Those doing Business Studies they are five in total and these include three boys A variety of subjects with a potential of and two girls. The excited learners stated that making them self-employed are being offered their desire is to run their own businesses at the centre. Subjects offered at the school as compared to joining the army of the include Agriculture, Design and Technology, unemployed. Food and Nutrition and Fashion and Fabrics. There is also Rural Education Centre (REC) Bonginkhosi Dlamini is one of the that caters for people who may not get to successful products of the school who complete or even go to school. Learners graduated from the pre-vocational department registered in the triple stream of formal class such that he has been growing large tracks of land to supply chain stores and government agencies like National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMboard). Dlamini is determined to venture into pig production soon. In a bid to encourage their learners they have partnered with a South African based Christian organisation based in Kwazulu- Natal where there is a community project that grows avocadoes and also bottling spring water. Learners have been taken to the centre almost every year and they will spend days at the facility.32 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

FEATURE | COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT A number of people die prematurely because of their lifestyle. Khanyisani Hope Centre has provided a lifeline to the community of Maphopheni in the Lubombo region. LUNGA MASUKU looks at how their centre came into being.Khanyisani Hope Centre lightinglives around SiphofaneniKhanyisani Hope Centre is an initiative meant at the prospect of of deaths as people were eating unhealthy transformation than conforming. improving the community’s quality foods which clogged blood vessels, leading to There are currently close to 50 herbs of life, beginning with an individual. cardiovascular related deaths. The backyardIts main aim is to become a ‘therapy home’ gardens or tyre gardens were started to together with vegetables like cayenne pepper,where an individual may find the space to improve the nutritional value of the food eaten cabbages and tomatoes just to name a few.start all over again. Future plans include by the employees. Different types of herbs were These have been planted without any form ofencouraging the youth and community to thus planted in these gardens. fertiliser except the use of compost made out ofadopt tyre gardens and life skills at Inkhundla grass and tree leaves that have been collected,level in the Lubombo region. The project got a lifeline when Director dug into the ground to make organic compost. of National Emergency Response Council on Mission of the centre is to develop HIV and Aids (NERCHA), Khanya Mabuza, Families from the vicinity of the Centreindividuals to adapt and live in harmony donated roofing material for a green-house have found every reason of visiting in orderwith the environment to produce a quality from his own pocket. “The project would not to make their lives blossom. Once in a whilehealthy lifestyle. Its objective is to provide have grown to what it is today without his Shabangu indicated they are called to givehealth services through positive prevention. generous donation,” says Shabangu. vegetables like cabbages to struggling familiesThe centre is to provide service to patients on yet they are also struggling to make ends meet.how to cope with non-communicable diseases The soup kitchen has been lying idle Donors willing to assist the centre will beand strengthen emotional, physical and because the members do not have resources of greatly appreciated because they need to getpsychological support and promote economic completing the structure so that children and electricity connected to it so that they can beempowerment. elderly from the village just on the border of able to have training programmes meant at Phuzamoya can have something to eat. promoting positive living. The organisation was conceived after theowners, Mthembisa International Farm gave The Centre also strives to enrich society They would like to roof their soup kitchena piece of the farm to 15 of their employees. through organic quality nutrition so that they so that people from neighbouring places canThese employees used to abscond work to go to can live their lives to the fullest. Their long regularly visit centre to have something to eat.the clinic at Sithobelweni after they discovered term plan is to ensure that the centre end uptheir HIV positive status. The patients needed being a distribution centre for medication,a place to give them hope and counseling to including ARVs so that people do not travelhelp them cope with the trauma. long distances. Siboniso Shabangu, popularly known as Physical fitness has been identified as one‘Hitler’, says they have dietary herbs and herbal of the pillars of the centre is to awaken theteas to ensure that people can live fulfilling consciousness of the people from thinkinglives without any hassle. Frequent absenteeism poverty into become self-sufficient.made owners of the farm allocating them apiece of land so that they can build a structure. Shabangu bemoans shortage of bicycles atThe structure will soon have a soup kitchen but the centre which are also used to encouragedue to financial constraints support has not physical health. Currently, there are about 20been forthcoming. people who have to share one bicycle. Shabangu urged shops to come to their rescue so that they “It was through frequent absenteeism can help the youngsters get occupied. This isthat compelled farm management to allow aimed at promoting the culture of putting one’sworkers the time for dialogues about health thoughts towards economic emancipation. Theissues in the workplace,” says Shabangu. “It Hope Centre is a community driven initiativewas discovered through these dialogues that that seeks to awaken the consciousness of thehalf of the employees were already on anti- people from thinking poverty into being self-retroviral treatment (ARVs). The workers were sufficient. It also promotes the ones thoughtsinterested in learning more about their health into practical action towards emancipation.and other social issues.” The Hope Centre supports the idea of going where people live among their community The project proponents realized that that to be able to learn from each other. Plan islifestyle played a major role in the majority to start with teaching people appreciating agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 33

FEATURE | LIVESTOCKNITRATE POISONING IN RUMINANTSIn recent months, the country lost over 200 cattle allegedlydue to nitrate poisoning. This tragedy did not only leavefarmers frustrated but also lost millions of Emalangeni.This could result in an increase in beef prices. NOMSIMISIDLAMINI investigates why ruminants die after consumingNsupplements with nitrates in them.itrate poisoning is a conditionin plants, when growth is normal, because which affects ruminants that the plant stems and leaves rapidly convert consume certain silages or nitrate to plant amino acids and protein. water that contain an excessive Under assured conditions, this balance can beamount of nitrate. Under normal conditions, disrupted so that the roots will take up nitratenitrate consumed by ruminant in the family faster than the plant can convert the nitrate toof livestock like cattle, sheep and goats, is protein.converted to ammonia and then bacterial The nitrate-to-protein cycle in a plant is “The most dramaticprotein in the rumen by bacteria. The steps of reliant on three factors: Adequate water, energy nitrate toxicityconversion in this process are as follows: from sunlight and temperature conducive to problems have------Bacterial Protein- Nitrate (NO3) rapid chemical reactions. occurred when hungry——› Nitrite (NO2) ——› Ammonia (NH3) If any one of these factors is inadequate, cattle were put on——› Amino Acid ——› Protein the root continues to absorb nitrate at the same maize stalks, oat strawNitrate is converted to nitrite faster than rate while storing it unchanged in the stalk and or weedy pasture.”nitrite is converted to ammonia. Therefore, lower parts of the leaves. When this situationwhen higher than normal amounts of nitrate develops, nitrate collects.are consumed, an accumulation of nitrite Nitrates may also accumulate in plantsmay occur in the rumen. Nitrite then will from excessive nitrogen fertilization, forbe absorbed into the bloodstream and will example on fields where a large amount ofconvert haemoglobin to methemoglobin, manure have been applied.which is unable to transport oxygen. Thus, Some plants are more likely to collectwhen an animal dies from nitrate poisoning, it nitrate more than others. Crops capable ofis due to a lack of oxygen. high levels of nitrate accumulation underThe occurrence of nitrate poisoning is opposing conditions include corn, smalldifficult to predict because nitrate levels can grains, Sudan grass (mostly used in haychange rapidly in plants and the toxicity of production), and sorghum. Weeds capablenitrate varies greatly among livestock due to of nitrate accumulation include pig-weedage, health status, and diets. However, concern (ludzangamane) and sunflower. Someshould certainly be raised when plant growth vegetables capable of accumulating largehas been less than half of normal or nitrogen amounts of nitrate that are most often grazedapplication more than twice recommended. include sugar beets, lettuce, cabbage, potatoes and carrots.Nitrate Levels in PlantsPlants normally take up nitrogen from thesoil in the form of nitrate; regardless of the Nitrates in Water Nitrates and nitrites are water soluble.form of nitrogen fertilizer (including manure) They move with the water. Any nitrate addedapplied. However little nitrate accumulates to, or produced within, the soil may be leached34 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

or washed away by moving water be it surface managerial problems. Therefore, it is essential 1) To make sure the sample is representativerun-off or ground water purification. to study the situation thoroughly before of the feed or water that is being analysed. concluding that nitrate is the problem. Nitrates are more concentrated below or 2) To prevent loss of the nitrate betweennear the area of waste build-up or disposal Simple chronic nitrate poisonousness is sampling and laboratory analysis.such as manure piles, feedlots, septic tank rare. More likely, high nitrate is only one ofdisposal fields, drains, privies, etc. Excess several factors resulting in poor performance. Sampling for Nitrate Analysisnitrates also are more suitable to be found in For example, poor performance on a ration Grass (Hay)ground water under low areas and waterways that is low in energy or lacking in essential • Take samples during the unloadingthat collect or convey. minerals is right to be worse if the nitrate is also process. (If indoors, make sure the hay store present. When good feeding and management room is well ventilated.) Water samples from shallow, dug, bored practices are followed, it is very difficult to • Take at least 5 separate samples whileand driven wells more frequently contain produce chronic nitrate problems. unloading.excess nitrates than water from deeper, drilled • Mix well and remove about 0.5 lb forwells. Nitrate levels generally are highest Many factors have been suggested to testing.following wet periods and lowest, even down explain the different results obtained in Green-chopped forageto zero nitrates, during dry periods which research trials studying the nitrate problem. • Collect several handfuls from differentmay cause a false sense of security. Preferably, Age, condition, and species of the animal, other loads or different parts of a load.a well should be tested immediately following chemical compounds and nutrients in the • Mix well and remove about 0.5 lb fora wet period. Just like the prospects La Nina ration, and the types of nitrogen compounds testing.phenomenon we could be having. in the feed or water are some of the factors that Standing Maize or Sorghum must be considered. • Cut at least 15 whole plants taken at Poisonousness Variation random. Ruminant livestock can tolerate a wide The most dramatic nitrate toxicity problems • Cut plants at same height as field chopper.range of nitrate, depending on several factors. have occurred when hungry cattle were put • Chop plants into one-half inch lengthsThese factors include that; the animal can on maize stalks, oat straw or weedy pasture. and mix well.become conditioned to eat larger amounts of Under these conditions the highest nitrate • Remove about 0.5 lb for testing.feed with high nitrate content if the increase feeds are fed as the total ration, and the feedingis gradual. of well-balanced rations and adaptation by the Toxic Effects of Nitrate Healthy animals are less likely to be animal are ignored. Sudden change to high With all the biological variation that canadversely affected as compared to animals in nitrate corn silage as the main feed can cause exist in both plants and animals, it is obviouslypoor health. This means the current drought problems. Milking cows and other animals difficult to develop specific guidelines that fitconditions played a major role in the poisoning receiving large amounts of grain are not as all conditions. Safe levels of nitrate are notof the animals. likely to have nitrate deadliness problems as specifically known for all the various livestock Adequate amounts of available dry cows, heifers and other animals because feeding conditions. At the same time, somecarbohydrates (grain) allow the animal to the milking cows are on a higher energy ration general guidelines are needed. The conceptconsume more nitrates because carbohydrates and because the high nitrate feedstuff is likely in developing the tables that follow is to beenhance the conversion process from nitrate to to be a smaller quantity of the total diet. conservative to help assure safety. At the samemicrobial protein. time, reasonable feeding and care of the animal Factors making nitrate more poisonous Grains and other concentrates are low in is assumed. There are two kinds of possibleinclude, rapid diet changes can trigger nitrate nitrate. Feed (leaves and stems) will collect toxicity that are of concern: (1) Acute or lethalpoisoning, parasitism or other conditions more nitrate than grains. Because forage and (2) Chronic or non-lethal.causing anaemia will increase susceptibility, comprises a larger percentage of nitrateNitrate in more than one diet component (e.g. ruminants leading to their death, high nitrate Suggestion for minising nitrate problemswater and feed). in feed is more likely to be of concern in feeding Poisonousness or safety of a feed containing Symptoms of Nitrate Complications ruminants than non-ruminants. However, more than normal amount of nitrate involves There are many general symptoms such nitrate from feed or water can cause problems many factors. These include total daily intakeas poor appetite, weak calves, lambs or kids, for all animals and to humans. of nitrate, previous adaptation of the animalabortions, poor growth, and general unthrifty to high nitrate, feeding practices, nutritionalconditions are frequently blamed on nitrate. Testing an accurate sample for nitrate quality of the ration and general health of theThese and other general problems can also be analysis animal. In addition, the nitrate level of thecaused by a number of diseases, nutritional or water may be a contributing factor. The two key steps to getting accurate The following are the major factors nitrate analysis are: that influence possible nitrate problems. Preventing or changing a condition that increases the problem will help decrease or prevent the problem. Total nitrate intake is the critical problem rather than the amount in any one feed in the ration. For example, a dangerous level in a feed that makes up the total ration could be perfectly safe if it comprised only half the ration. Likewise, a safe level in the feed may be a problem if the water also contains high levels of nitrate. Suggestion - Determine nitrate in all suspicious feeds and in the water. Limit the amount of any questionable feed. Feeds, especially corn and oat grasses, green chop or pasture and weeds, are the most common sources of the problem. Limits may need to be greater if the water also contains significant nitrate levels. agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 35

FEATURE | LIVESTOCK..continued from Page 35 Nitrate in one dose may be very toxic to cows that have impaired rumen function. Nitrates are dangerous to man too.while the same amount divided into several Elimination of high nitrate feeds from rations Storage tower gases are a common cause ofsmaller doses is perfectly safe. For example for dry and recently early lactation cows is also both chronic and acute respiratory problemsone study, giving 1000 pound cow 150 grams a good practice. to farmers. When plants are high in nitrateof nitrate (NO3) in one dose produced acute at time of ensiling, various nitrogen gases aretoxicity. Spraying three times as much, or 450 Nitrates can accumulate in plants when formed. Nitrogen dioxide is a brownish yellowgrams (about one pound) of nitrate on the adverse growing conditions such as drought, gas with a bleach-like odour, that is sometimeshay consumed in a day, did not produce acute hot weather, cool weather or frost slows the seen coming down the silo chute or is layeredtoxicity. growth of the plants. Cool season crops such on top of the silo below closed doors. The gas as small grains and permanent forage grasses is heavier than air so it accumulates in low Suggestion - If a feed contains questionable may accumulate nitrates in hot, dry weather enclosed areas. Nitrogen dioxide is potentiallyamounts of nitrate, divide the daily feeding while warm season crops such as corn and very dangerous to man and animals.into smaller feedings. For example, feed ten sorghums can accumulate nitrates when thepounds of silage 3 or 4 times per day rather temperatures are low or when growth has been Suggestions - Don’t leave the storage roomthan feeding 30 or 40 pounds at one feeding. arrested due to frost. door open to the barn as the gas may come down from the feed store and kill animals Nitrate is not normally collected in the Suggestions - Nitrates primarily collect in in the barn overnight. Be sure to ventilate aanimal because it is continually converted to the lower stems and leaves of corn, sorghums, recently filled silo before entering it by runningother nitrogen compounds that are consumed small grains, grasses and weeds. They rarely the blower for several minutes. Open outsideor excreted in the urine and faeces. The ability accumulate at sufficiently high concentrations doors or windows near bottom of the feedto utilize and effectively excrete the nitrogen to be a problem in legumes. If the nitrates are store and use fan to force gas outside. Escapingcompounds requires adaptation by the animal. suspected to be a problem, avoid harvesting the nitrogen in the form of gas from the feed storeA toxic level given to a cow that had been on a basal portions of the plant. Avoid pasturing reduces nitrate content of silage. Presence ofvery low nitrate intake could be a safe level if hungry animals or green feeding on drought the yellow gas during filling does not mean thethe same amount had been gradually added to stunted crops or weedy pastures. Place forage will be dangerous as a feed, however, itthe ration. If a toxic level is fed repeatedly, liver suspect crops in the storage tower and allow is good evidence that high nitrate was present.and kidney damage can occur. fermenting for one to three months before Therefore, this forage should be checked for feeding and then following suggestions given nitrate before feeding. Suggestion - If a feed is questionable, feed previously. Ensiling will allow conversion ofa small amount for a week; if no problem is nitrate to ammonia and may reduce nitratenoted the amount can be increased. When levels by 30 to 50%. Haymaking does notchanging to a new feed or different source of reduce the nitrate level of the forage.feed, it is always better to make the changegradually. Safe utilization of nitrate requiresgeneral good nutrition and proper rumenfunction in cattle, sheep and goats. Rumenmicro-organisms require readily availablecarbohydrate, protein and minerals.Additional vitamin A reduces the toxic effectsof nitrates in poultry. Suggestion - Feed a balanced ration.Abundant feeding of a good grain mix insuresadequate levels of energy and protein. Mineralsshould be provided in the grain mixture, aswell as by free choice feeding of trace mineralsalt and a calcium-phosphorus supplement.Nitrates might destroy or interfere with theconversion of carotene to vitamin A; therefore,the use of a protein source that contains vitaminA or adding a vitamin A supplement in someway is generally advised when high nitratefeeds are used. Avoid feeding high nitratefeeds to animals that are unthrifty or sick forany reason. Do not feed questionable feeds36 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

Owners of dead cows may have to wait a little longerinister of Agriculture Moses Vilakati did not want to come out on whether farmers will be Owners of close to 200 cows that died after being fed hayMcompensated or not. He could imported from a South African farmer begs may have toonly say his ministry was still investigating wait a little longer. LUNGA MASUKU probes issue.issue. This follows a suggestion by Members ofParliament and leading University of Swaziland their cows after being fed with hay believed toPolitical Science Lecturer Dr Qambukusa contain nitrate. The hay was purchased fromMagagula popularly known as Dr PQ who said a South African supplier. In his usual straightfarmers deserve to be compensated. talk he said there was need for the protectionThe minister could only say not yet when of consumers, this was regardless of status ofhe was asked if his ministry was done with the affected person or organisation.investigating the issue of the hay. However, “Farmers know where they bought theirPrincipal Secretary in the ministry, Bongani hay from; bus owners have insurance covers soMasuku was quoted to have told a media even in this regard they must just seek redressbriefing immediately after the incident that from where they bought their hay from. If suchfarmers could be to be the ones to be blamed. had happened to me I was not going fold myHis assertion that the way the livestock arms but I was going seek redress,” stated Drwere fed the hay could have contributed PQ.to the death of their cows. Members of “Arguing that the hay was still having freshParliament said there was need for a detailed traces of nitrate should not be the farmers’report regarding issue, Mayiwane Member problem, but the person who sold the hayof Parliament, Eric Matsebula disagreed with to farmers should come out with an exerciseMbabane West, MP Johane Shongwe, was meant at compensating farmers.reported to have called for the suspension of Maybe since the country has bilateral Dr. P.Q. Magagula gestures during an interview at thethe importation of hay from South Africa. relations with our major trading partner, University of Swaziland.Matsebula stated that as legislators they should it seems the farmers have been left to fendbe calling for a comprehensive report from for themselves. Hundreds of thousands ofthe concerned ministry so that they can fully Emalangeni have been lost through the deathunderstand what really with the said hay. so that the country has with neighbouring The legislator did not want to believe that the South African government to get a lastingthe supplier had ulterior motive of poisoning solution to the issue. In some parts of the because it may mean that the death of theircows but a detailed report could help shed world governments do not hesitate to send a cows did not deserve government indulgence.light regarding such an occurrence. One rescue mission to assist their citizens wheneverof the plans was for the ministry to grow its there are reports threatening mankind. If the Further, the continent has been laggingown hay to avert a repeat of such in future. statistics released are anything to go by, a behind on the development of the agriculturalLobamba Lomdzala and long serving MP, majority of the cows were on government sector yet the continent poverty could beMarwick Khumalo also supported calls for the farms which mean the Swazi tax payer lost. using agriculture to fight poverty. Newcompensation of the farmers. African Partnership for Africa’s Development Independent investigations by this (NEPAD) was supposed to be a life saver Dr PQ disclosed that government was the publication uncovered that a few of some of a number of African economies throughcustodian of all goods entering the country so of the farmers whose cows went behind utilisation of Agricultural produce. Ithe begs to differ with the principal secretary government’s back and they went straight to should spearhead the transformation ofbecause farmers trust their government for buy directly from the South African farmer. the agricultural sector. Peace and Securitywhatever she sells to them was of good quality. has been identified as one pre-requisite for Dr PQ noted that government’s dead sustainable development. Comprehensive International organisations have silence seems to show that Sustainable strategies that have been identified includelegislations regulating cross border trade, Development Goals will remain a pipedream agriculture, health, infrastructure (includingso it was incumbent upon the executive and for our country if the role the Agriculture energy, transport, ICT, water and sanitationlegislative arm of government to ensure that sector should be used to boost the country’s and the environment.international protocols from the United gross national through the much neededNations’ Sustainable Development Goals foreign currency. Politicians have a role to Food security still lags behind in the(SDG) directed at the agricultural sector are play so that farmers do not lose hope on region, the issue of so many cows underdomesticated. African Union has tried to government structures. Dr PQ stated that the mysterious conditions defeats the aspirationsformulate policies that should work as a guide two countries have strong bonds of friendship of the organisation tasked with ensuring thatto African states. It was for that reason that so this issue should not be left unattended the continent develops from all fronts.Dr PQ calls for the enactment of policies thatprotect local consumers.Livestock Swazi farmers must not shyaway from forming a union to address theirconcerns with government because the worldover consumers of any product are protectedin terms of the law, so he wondered if thelocal farmers have any piece of legislationthat protects them and their industry. DrPQ disclosed that he was not aware of anyassociation of livestock farmers and the recentscenario should be a wake-up call to them sothat they prevent a repeat of such in the future.House of Assembly members called fortheir compensation following the death of agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 37

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Feeding the growing pigAs nutrition (feed) is one of the ANIMAL NUTRITION largest expenses in growing a pig it WITH HENCO LEICESTER is important to note that you must keep your feed fresh and readily “Feed daily fresh to achieve this. The more phase’s one has andavailable to the pig to optimize performance feed and refused the closer you are to the nutrient requirementon farm. feed should be the pig and the more profitable your operation will be. More phases also mean les over and Weaning piglets are always under a lot of removed from under feeding of nutrients that will cost youstress as they are consuming warm mother’s feeders and money.milk, and then have to move to cold solid thoroughly cleaned”food. This move also tends to go hand in In order to meet this phases at Feedmasterhand by mixing litters as well as changing the deposit depends mainly on its stage of growth. we have developed a Pinnacle diet (phaseenvironment. In this time period nutritional Nutrient composition of the diets must be 1 grower) and a Performer grower (phasestress is a severe challenge and can be observed well planned as imbalances will increase fat 2 grower), as well as a finisher pig diet. Thein weaning growth dips. deposition and decrease growth efficiency. In grower diet typically is fed from 70 to 95 days order to achieve this one can use phase feeding but by applying the 2 phases you can split the To manage this nutritionally, a quality diets to include more phases (First half thepiglet creep feed that is rich in milk and pinnacle grower, second phase the performerdigestible ingredients during the suckling grower). After this you can move over to aperiod should be used to ensure piglets get finisher diet and feed it to 120 days or tillaccustomed to the smell, taste and form of market ready. If your pigs are below on yourthe diet. Creep feed is very expensive, but one growth target extend your grower period withuses very little of this product. Feed daily fresh a few days.feed and refused feed should be removed fromfeeders and thoroughly cleaned. Creep diets At the end of the day the goal in a pigshould be fed while the piglet is still suckling production system is faster growth. Fasterup to 7 days after weaning. After this period growth means les days will be spend on losingthe piglet’s digestive system and enzymes is energy to maintenance (basic day to dayat such a level where you can make use of a energy requirements), it will lower overheadstarter diet to optimize growth economically. costs, and at the end one will have moreThe starter diet one can typically feed up to uniform growth.70 days and then one can start feeding Piggrower. Up to this phase piglets will have an In the Swaziland hot environment farmersexceptional ability to grow protein. may need to start considering wet feeding. Wet feeding will reduce feed wastage and increase After the weaning phase the pig producer digestion by improved enzyme activity. Donis challenged to optimise protein deposition not make feed to wet as it will cause the pigseconomically in the growing pig. The grower to decrease their intakes. Also remember withfinisher pig phase represents up to 75% of the growing pigs to ensure feed remain fresh, andcost. The challenge in feeding the growing pig in the case of a growing pig that it is alwaysis to meet the nutrient requirements as close available. And remember: TO MEASURE ISas possible for specific circumstances, without TO KNOW!wastage to obtain the highest possible returns. There is constant change in nutrientrequirements as the pig grow from wean tomarketing and the amount of muscle a pig can agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 41

PROFILE | PORK PRODUCTION Safika Piggery thrives after grabbing pork processing opportuinity Constant innovative In about nine years since venturing into pig and also to market our pigs,” says Gamedze. initiatives meant at farming, Safika Piggery is now in the cut The breeding boar is kept in a separate pen developing a unique throat business of meat processing. Locatedbusiness model led Safika in Siphofaneni area in the Lubombo while pregnant sows have their own enclosures. Piggery to develop a Region, the company produces pork sausages This is done to reduce feeding competition. flourishing processing and pork cuts for various local markets such as farm. DEBRA KHUMALO supermarkets, butcheries and individuals. Strict hygiene and quality meat processing standards are followed to the letter. This reports The 2ha piggery farm started operating in includes regular visitations by inspectors from 2007 with a handful of weaners bought from the Ministry of Health. The abattoir follows local pig farmers. “The idea was to grow the strict guidelines and quality standards with weaners until they were four months and then the assistance of the government officials. The sell them,” says Mhlonishwa Gamedze, the processed meat is therefore certified and fit for director of Safika Piggery. He says they soon public consumption. realized that there was more to the business than just pig farming. “We then diversified our Over the past decade since he started the business model.” piggery farm, Gamedze has horned his farming skills through various trainings and educational The business started with market research visits in Swaziland and South Africa. He has where they realized that only Simunye Pork received training in artificial insemination and offered processed meat for the local market. pig production in South Africa. He was attached Other processed meat came from South African for two weeks at Dalien Plusboy Piggery in brands. Pretoria. The South African company continues to offer him technical support at his farm,. The company started with a direct marketing “They are involved from farrowing, mating, strategy where they sold to consumers after pig management including understanding pig receiving orders. The processing was undertaken genetics,” he says. after receiving orders from consumers. They were soon to face challenges as a result of a The Siphofaneni farm has become a model huge demand and limited supply. The expansion for aspiring pig farmers who visit on a regular into meat processing meant that they needed basis. The visits have recently increased as a a constant and reliable supply of quality pigs. result of trainings the business conducts in It was then that they decided to increase partnership with Lulute Training Institute in production by getting ten sows, thereby getting Manzini. into the breeding and rearing processes all at the same time. Through funding from FINCORP, Gamedze emphasizes that efficient pig the company also procured an additional five production and the desire for increased income sows from a local pig farmer who had quality should not compromise quality standards. breeds from South Africa. He says the best quality product, standards and good breeds are pivotal to a thriving pig The farm now keeps 30 sows with a boar business. A farmer also needs to be consistent. under an intensive pig farming method. The pigs are raised in close proximity of each Safika Piggery incorporated a proper fit in other according to their group stages. A three- infrastructure in order to breed quality stock. stage feeding system is followed according to “Our housing structure can accommodate about the seasons and stages of the pig. The feeding 50 sows or more,” he says. “It was built to ensure programme is categorised according to whether a full cycle of pig production to match broader the piglet is raised for pork sausages or pork market needs.” cuts. The quality of pork is not just based on the feeding programme but mainly on breed Safika Piggery sells its pigs at four months selection. old with a carcass weighing an average 60kg. The company currently slaughters about 100 Each sow produces an average two litters to 110 pigs per month. The processed meat and per year with between 11 to 12 piglets at a time. sausages are branded and packed in small packs The piglets are dewormed at weaning then of 1kg or 2kg. grouped according to their size and sex. “We are beginning to increase the number of sows Like all farming projects, Safika Piggery because we have seen farmers having a better has also been affected by the current drought understanding of genetics, feed management situation which has resulted in high pig costs from the suppliers.42 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

TRAINING CALENDAR | DICCON ROBINSONDECEMBER 2016 JANUARY 2017DATE COURSE DETAILS DATE COURSE DETAILS1 Pig Production 5 Pig Production3 Goat Production 7 Poutry Production6 Vegetable Production 10 Vegetable Production8 Beans, Sunflower and other summer crops 12 Bee Keeping & Honey Production10 Poultry Production 14 Goat Production13 Bee Keeping & Honey Production 17 Vegetable Production15 Pig Production 19 Poultry Production19 Pig Production 21 Pig Production20 Vegetable Production 24 Beef Production21 Poultry Production 26 Sub-tropical fruit, Bananas, Mangos, Paw Paw, Avos and Litches 28 Vegetable Production 31 Poultry ProductionBooking Essential.Cebsile Simelane Cell: 7636 6893All Trainings and Payments for Training at Khuba Traders, Manzini. Opposite St. Theresa’s High Scool.AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONSDICCON ROBINSONCELL: +268 7602 5482EMAIL: [email protected] agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 43

FEATURE | PERSONALITY outstanding but erratic weather conditions forced farmers to rely on early maturingDPM is an ardent farmer varieties.” Spending endless hours guard against pesticides. Pesticides are known Dlamini explained that those who are in meetings with different to have the potential of destroying crops in an located in areas that normally do not receive event before crops germinate. To maximise a maximum rains should opt of early maturity organisations seeking good yield intercropping can be explored. He or medium term seed varieties. Research has intervention of his office, encouraged on approved planting varieties that showed that close to 500 000 Swazis will need the Deputy Prime Minister can see the country enjoying food sustenance. food aid if there are no rains received any time Paul Dlamini recently came soon. Southern African is blessed with good As an example, Dlamini said he recently soils and a potential of generating the much to a dead end, when he planted maize on his backyard garden in needed foreign currency to boost the country’s decided to go and dirty his the capital so that he does not have to take foreign direct investment (FDI).hands. This was during a tour the limited resources should he feel like that Agribusiness Monthly having roosted green mealies. In the form Farmers were advised by the DPM of encouragement, Dlamini said even tyre that it was every person’s responsibility to initiated to find out what gardens must not be under estimated so that provide for their families not to look up to was he doing to encourage people get fresh vegetables they have grown on government for food parcels. It was the duty their own than buying everything. Dlamini of different communities to join hands with people to grow their own said the country needs over 150 000 tonnes the government by making sure that donations food. LUNGA MASUKU of maize to be self-sufficient. At present the can be only used during severe circumstances. country was battling to even get closer to half Fruit trees should also be considered so visited his home at Nkiliji. of the required grain crops. that even those families found in dry areas can be able to sell their produce in order toDlamini disclosed that people “It is one of my passions to ensure that supplement their income. should make sure they discard the I encourage people to plant immediately dependency syndrome because their areas receive enough rains. Just because The country’s Tinkhundla centres have food aid may dry up soon yet already ploughed most of my fields I will not fields they cultivate in order to supplement andthey can make use of arable land. His office is waist time once we receive good rains. For a feed vulnerable children in their vicinity on acharge of the National Disaster Management good yield, planting late maturity seed varieties daily basis in a bid of offering them a balancedAgency (NDMA), a government agency should be towards the end of October so that diet as per the dictates of health experts.that was started to mitigate the seriousness by the time the country experiences a dry spell Speaking about his farming passion, Dlaminiof national disasters. This was after Prime my crop will have grown. Enough moisture is said during a good season he normally getsMinister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini declared required for seed varieties.” bags in the region of 130 to 150. Crop storagethe dry spell a national disaster. and harvesting should be done well so that “Late maturity varieties weigh more giving produce does not get devoured by or destroyed During a recent interview, Dlamini said he much needed energy required for maximum as one goes about harvesting her or hiswas a hard working person who believed that output. Not dismissing the planting of early produce. Crops can be damaged if producedthe recent rains signaled the beginning of the maturity varieties, they can be planted as an crops are stored in a damp place or in a placenew farming season. Dlamini’s desire is to see alternative than depending on food donations. with rodents.a majority of Swazis utilising every arable land Indigenous maize has so far been regarded asfor growing food for their families. Like every budding farmer, the country’s man in charge of the elderly and orphaned Soil preparation is paramount if a farmer vulnerable children has registered his tractorwants to get a good yield from his piece of land, with government so that he can assist hiswhile they prepare their fields they should also people. To ensure that his tractor meets government requirements to add in the number privately owned tractors recently serviced his tractor to be able to meet government required standards. Dlamini’s next project will be getting other farm implements like tractor drawn planters and disc harrowing equipment. Farm implements that were found at his homestead included a trailer that he also uses for supplying river sand to his neighbours.44 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

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LIFESTYLE | HEALTHY EATINGHEALTHY EATING FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETESDiabetes occurs when the body needs, lifestyle, and the action and timing 1.Melt the butter in a saucepan. becomes unable to handle of medications. For example, diet for Type 2.Add onions,mushroom,garlic,spinach and glucose (sugar) which builds up 1 diabetic, focus mostly on matching food parsley. to dangerous levels in the blood: intake to insulin whereby one needs to know 3.Cook for 5 minutes over amedium heat.causing damage to organs of the body such as, when insulin peaks and how fast the body 4.Add the water and stock powder.kidney’s and nervous-system. There are two metabolizes different type of foods. 5. Bring to the boil before simmering for 10-15kinds of diabetes: General Guidelines minutes.Type I • It is important to eat a variety of food from 6. Blend and return the soup to the pot, addDiabetes occurs when the pancreas stops the different food groups as different foods salt and pepper and bring almost back to thesecreting insulin therefore, causing high blood provide different nutrients that the body boil.glucose/sugar levels. This type of diabetes needs. Also eat regular meals.usually begins in childhood and is commonly • Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in the Bean Soupknown as juvenile diabetes. Since these diet; eat 4-5 portions of fruit and vegetable a Ingridientsdiabetics cannot survive without insulin,it day. Only eat one medium size fruit at a time. 1 cup boiled beansis now officially called insulin-dependent • Avoid using fats when preparing vegetables, 1 medium oniondiabetes mellitus.This type of diabetes is rather steam or microwave them. 2 chopped garlic cloverunavoidable at the moment. • Choose foods that raise blood sugar 1 tomato choppedType 2 levels slowly and gently ie. choose high- 2 cups waterDiabetes occurs when the pancreas secretes quality carbohydrates instead of low-quality Methodtoo little insulin and at the same time, when the carbohydrates like refined grains and. Keep • Fry onions and garlic in little butterbody is unable to absorb the amount of insulin calorie content the same. • Add beans and tomatoproduced, resulting in high blood glucose/ • Include foods that are high in fibre such • Simmer for 20 minutessugar values.Type 2 diabetes occurs due to fruits, vegetables and legumesfamily history as well as unhealthy lifestyles • Do not skip breakfast. Jugo bean soupand can be avoided in many instances. While • Eat more fish and chicken Ingredients this type generally hits around age 50 as people • Avoid foods that have been deep fat fried 1 cup Jugo beansget older and fatter,some people with the recent • Avoid processed food such as sausages and 1 large onionepidemic of obesity are developing this disease Russians as the more the food is processed the 1tsptomato pastenow in their teens.In contrast to the juvenile less healthy it is likely to be. This is because 2 tablespoon vegetable stockdiabetes,most diagnosed,but something block many nutrients in food are destroyed when it 1 teaspoon butterthe insulin so it cannot do its job properly. is processed. MethodBoth types of diabetesis managed with a • Use lean meat and low fat dairy products • Boil Jugo beans until cookedhealthy diet, exercise and regular insulin • Avoid spices such as aromat and stock cubes. • Add chopped onion ,tomato paste andinjections. Rather use herbs and garlic to add flavour in vegetable stockWhat are the warning signs of Diabetes? the food. •Return to heat and cook until soft and mash Excessive thirst • Drink lots of clean water between six and with a wooden spoon to a smooth consistency Excessive appetite eight glasses of clean water a day,try herb teas • Add 1 tsp.of butter Excessive passing of urine such as lemon- grass tea • Serve hot Delayed wound healing • Exercise actively and regularly Weight loss Simple Soups recipes for Diabetes diet Cowpeas Balls General weakness in your body Spinach and mushroom soup Ingredients Bad breath Ingredients 2 cups boiled cowpeas Week eyesight 1 tablespoon of Dairy-Belle butter 1 medium onion chopped Weak blood circulation 1 onion,finely chopped 1 carrot grated 250g button mushroom,chopped 1 green pepper choppedDiabetic Diet 3 cloves garlic,crushed Butter for frying• Diabetic Diet for diabetics is simply a 500g spinach,washed Methodbalanced healthy diet which is vital for diabetic 45ml parsley chopped • Boil cowpeas until cookedtreatment. 400ml boiling water •Mix cowpeas with the chopped vegetables• The regulation of blood sugar in the non- 10ml vegetable-stock powder •Make balls and roll into flourdiabetic is automatic, adjusting to whatever Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Fry until golden brownfoods are eaten. But, for the diabetic, extra Method • Dry on a paper towelscaution is needed to balance food intake withexercise, insulin injections and any other Inkhukhu yasemakhaya (freerange)glucose altering activity. Ingredients• This helps diabetic patient to maintain the 1 large chickendesirable weight and control their glucose level Enough water to boilin their blood. Enough fresh shallots• It also helps to prevent diabetes patient Methodfrom heart and blood vessel related diseases. • Chop the chicken into pieces of your choiceResearch shows that regardless of the makeup •Bring to boil until is well cookedof the diet, eating just enough calories to • When it is almost done put in the shallots andmaintain an ideal weight is the most effective simmer for about 15 minutesdietary strategy to prevent the onset of diabetic.• Recommendations of diabetic diet differ for Article contributed by Ministry of Agriculture,person to person, based on their nutritional HOME ECONOMICS SECTION.46 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

Diet: Is My Child Eating Right? LIFESTYLE | HEALTHY EATINGParents and caregivers often wonder if their childis getting everything needed to optimize growth LIVE SMART, BE ACTIVE- EAT WISELYand development. Children may seem like theyare “not eating anything,” “eating only junk food,” o Offer water between meals and if your child is easy-to-eat “trials” of fruits and vegetables canand “eating the same things every day.” Although thirsty make tasting foods less overwhelming. Whenchildren are resilient and are probably eating o Serve milk at the end of the meal and limit it to kids ask for more or finish what was given, theybetter than it appears, it can make caring for your two times a day feel they were successful, which will help themchild less stressful if you know what to look for • Child refuses fruits and vegetables: repeat the behavior.in determining if your child is eating a healthful o Offer more of the preferred fruits and vegetables • Have it accessiblediet. o Serve vegetables raw, with a healthful dip Like the Boy Scout motto says, “Be prepared.”Your child’s pediatrician has a list of markers o Slice fruits to make them easy to eat Have fruits and vegetables ready to eat—alreadythat are used during well visits. Growth charts o Try dried fruits washed, sliced, and at eye level in the refrigerator,are used to assess nutritional status, weight, and o Put vegetables in soups and meals, so that they packed in backpacks, and ready for eating in thedevelopment. Besides anthropometry (the study are difficult to pick out car after school. Known as the original fast food,of human body measurements), pediatricians o Continue to offer fruits and vegetables at every fruits and vegetables are portable and convenient,look at biochemical markers and lab values, meal and snack if you are prepared.and gather dietary information to interpret • Child eats too many sweets: • Make eating an enjoyable timenutritional status. A determination of overweight o Do not keep sweets or treats in the house Children are more likely to try new foods if theor underweight and understanding your child’s o Do not use sweets as a reward or bribe atmosphere is relaxed and without pressure.growth curves may shed light into your child’s o Make sure all caregivers are on the same page Power struggles, bribes, threats, negotiations,dietary intake. You should share any concerns regarding sweets and ultimatums make fruits and vegetables lessabout your child’s diet with your pediatrician and appealing. Encourage and praise children forexpect your pediatrician to discuss any problems Fruits and Vegetables: Getting Kids to Say YES tasting and trying fruits and vegetables to buildpertaining to your child’s growth that are affected • Experts say it may take 10 to15 exposures to their confidence.by nutrition. accept a new food. Parents should accept that Although it is never too late to get a child on trackKnowing what signs and symptoms display rejection is part of establishing a child’s palate. with eating fruits and vegetables, the earlier youmalnutrition may help alleviate some of the stress Parents are responsible for the what, when and start to implement the above points, the morein wondering if your child is eating well. Here are where of feeding; children are responsible for the successful the outcome. Eating behaviors thatsome examples of what a well-nourished child how much and whether of eating. begin in childhood last forever.looks like: • Research has taught us that humans are Getting children to eat meat• Hair: Shiny, not falling out, or appearing brittle hardwired to prefer sweet foods, because they Meat is tough for kids, often dry and requires a lotor dry usually provide energy and satiety. Humans of chewing. When you think about it, it is really• Eyes: Bright and clear; pink or red under the avoid bitter and sour foods, because they often isn’t too surprising that kids often aren’t motivatedeyelids are associated with poison in nature. Despite all to eat it. Of course there are other sources of• Skin: Smooth, firm, and of good color (skin of of the current knowledge and research, parents proteins such as legumes, cheese, yoghurt, milk,undernourished children looks off in color, scaly, and caregivers continue to struggle to get enough tofu and if you are a family of vegetarian s thatflaky, or cracked) fruits and vegetables into their children. works great.• Lips: Smooth with good color (lips of • You can make small changes to increase your Preparation and presentationmalnourished children sometimes are red or children’s intake of nature’s rainbow. These Soft and moist or crisp and crunchy – textureswollen, with cracking in the corners of the behaviorally focused tips can help get you started. is often the first turn off, so it is important tomouth) • Lead by example make it more appetizing. Kids gravitate to crisp• Fingernails: Firm and pink (not spoon-shaped, Serve as a role model by eating a wide variety of and crunchy textures like crackers or soft andbrittle, or ridged) fruits and vegetables. This is the number one way juicy textures like fruit. Think about marinating• Posture: Healthy with good muscle tone and to get children to do the same. You will not find and cooking meats slowly to achieve the latterlong straight bones (undernourished children a more powerful teaching tool than modeling or conversely broil to give meats a bit of a crispymay have a wasted appearance of muscles, the behavior one seeks to instill. Talk about texture.swollen bumps on the skull or ends of bones, the colors, smells, textures, and tastes of what Flavour- meat is often dry and sometimesand bowed legs or knock-knees, and may appear children are eating to strengthen connections lacks taste, so be creative in boosting the flovoroverweight or obese) with these foods. especially with cheese, peanuts and sauces. Salt isA healthful diet for children includes: • Eat with your children okay, as long as it is used in moderation, and that• A variety of foods Ideally; caregivers should eat what their children bit of salt can go a long way in terms of taste.• Fruits and vegetables that are colorful are eating, when they are eating it. Short- Small bites – Kids bite into a hunk of meat• Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt, order cooking, preparing different meals, and and immediately regret it because it is hardbroccoli, and almonds having different mealtimes for the family makes to bite through, or they start chewing and get• Meals and snacks every 3 to 5 hours while awake monitoring fruit and vegetable consumption overwhelmed by how long it takes. This gets• Protein-rich foods, such as eggs, meat, fish, difficult. If it is impossible to eat together as a better with practice and once you get your kidbeans, chicken, or tofu family, keep the kids company at the table during starts eating meat consistently, you can give them• Water in place of sugary juices and sodas their mealtimes by snacking on a salad, fruit, larger and larger pieces. In the beginning, dice• Foods that are rich in iron, such as meats, beans, which is a great way to model desired behaviors. meats small piece can be thick and that may stilland leafy green vegetables • Focus on the little things be a turn off.• Enriched breads, grains, and cereals Offering children small bites, little pieces, and Describe food in fun ways – coming up with funYour child should not use food to deal with names for new foods create a level of intrigueemotions. The following are common concerns with kids. Be silly, the kids don’t care if it doesn’tand suggested solutions to feeding concerns: make a lot of sense.• Child refuses meat: Children’s food preferences are influenced byo Offer small servings of meat, poultry, or fish parental eating habits. Once acquired in earlyo Incorporate small amounts of these foods in childhood, healthful dietary habits tend tocasseroles, and soups be carried into adulthood. Therefore parentalo Choose beans, eggs, and cheese as alternatives nutrition knowledge is essential for monitoring• Child drinks too little milk: eating habits of children, identifying high-calorieo Offer cheese and yogurt foods and understanding its effect.o Add milk to soups, hot cereals, and puddingso Use powdered milk for baking Article contributed by Ministry of Agriculture,• Child drinks too much milk: HOME ECONOMICS SECTION. agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 47

VEGETABLE SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENTFROM GOOD QUALITY SEED FARM WITH KNOWLEDGE surface leads to an uneven depth of planting, The disadvantages of seedlings include: resulting in less uniform emergence, growth • The unavailability of seedlings due to badVBY DICCON ROBINSION and maturity. Obviously any basal fertilizer planning by the grower, ordering in time for his egetables are propagated either dressings should be worked in before sowing. plantings. by vegetative methods or by Sowing will generally be deeper on sandy soils • High cost of seedling vs. producing them means of seed, depending on the than heavy soils. Planting depth for larger yourself crop. Examples of those usually seeds, such as beans, peas or sweet corn, may • Labour needed for transplanting vs. directpropagated vegetatively are potato (“seed” be also a bit shallow, but it is usually for bigger planting of certain veggies.tubers), sweet potato (generally vine cuttings), seeds, for them to be drilled / planted two and a • Transplanting losses may, undergarlic (bulbs are divided in cloves, with larger half times the diameter of the seed. Firm down unfavorable conditions, result in a poor standones being used as seed for planting). However, the soil over the seed after planting to ensure and low yields.most vegetables are produced from true seed, good seed to soil contact. It is usually better to • The time taken from sowing to harvest isand it is this aspect which will be dealt with. plant into moist soil, which has been wetted normally extended because plant growth may to the rooting depth of the crop a few days be set back to some extent by transplanting of Most plants can be successfully transplanted previously, and then to give a light irrigation some varieties of vegetables.at a very young age. However, this period is soon after planting to settle the soil around the Transplants are usually raised in seed traysshort for certain crops, such as various beans, seed. Make sure that the soil around the seed or in open seedbeds. Seed trays are normallycarrot, cucurbits, peas, sweet corn and so on, remains moist by frequent light irrigations used by nurserymen producing plants for salethat the disadvantages of transplants usually far until plants emerge- remember the top layer of to growers. The majority of vegetable producersoutweigh the advantages, and transplanting is soil dries out rapidly. For hand planting of seed buy seedlings from nurseries. Although a fewseldom a practical consideration. Such crops on can soak the seed over night before planting. vegetable growers do grow their own seedlingsare thus sown directly into production field in Seed needs to absorb 30% of its weight of water because of quality control and specific varietiestheir paramount positions. Even those crops before it germinates. Note all seed soaked that they want to grow.which may be successfully transplanted are, at overnight has to be planted as it can’t be kept The quality, including age, of transplantstimes, seeded directly into the production field. after soaking. plays a large role in determining the potential yield of the resultant crop. Seedling production Seed Quality Apart from the crops discussed above, should, therefore receive special attention from It is true to use quality seed that is true to there is another group which transplant each grower, because poorly grown seedlingstype, has a high germination percentage, has a comparatively easily and successfully, even at a can never produce the yields, nor quality, thathigh vigour, has no dormancy, is free of foreign more advanced age. These include crops such can be achieved with young, strong, healthymatter and has no disease contamination. Two as brinjal, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, transplants.types of seed are available: open pollinated cauliflower, chill, lettuce, sweet peppers and In commercial practice there are two mainand HYBRID seed. Hybrid seed is more tomatoes. It is common practice to raise methods of producing transplants / seedlings.expensive, but improved crop uniformity can them in seedbeds or seedling trays, for later The first is to produce the seedlings in seedlingbe expected due to the selection of favourable establishment in their permanent positions in trays, using coir / vermiculite / composted pinecharacteristics. Hybrid seed is a combination the field. bark as a growing medium, and under cover,of two or more genetically distinct parental and the other is to grow the seedlings in soil ininbred lines. Open pollinated (OP) seed is The main advantage of transplanting seedbeds situated in the open.cheaper but yield is not as good as hybrids. It seedlings revolves around the fact that the VEGETABLE SEEDLINGSis important to take note of the batch number area used for growing transplants is small in In Swaziland most transplants are producedor reference number of all seed used (attached comparison with the size of the production in seedling trays and mostly by commercialto your invoice and date of purchase) so that fields. This results in: nursery men. Most commonly used structuresany problems which may arise can be discussedwith the relevant seed supplier. • Better utilization of available ground, Direct Seeding because the larger fields may be used for crop The land preparation for direct seeding production while seedlings are being produced.should be at least as good if not better thanthat used for Transplants. The field should have • Seedlings take between 4 to 6 weeksa good tilth without any large clods, should before transplant depending on the variety.be firm and as level as possible. An uneven Talk to the nursery when the seedlings will be ready for collection. • Better germination, seedling growth, and plant survival, resulting in lower usage of seed, because small seedbeds / seedling trays can better looked after. • Better, quicker and cheaper control of pests, diseases and weeds. • Better control of irrigation, with saving in water usage, and more frequent watering, ensuring consistent seedling growth. • Easier and better protection of seedlings against wind, hail, rain, heat and cold. • Earlier cropping is possible in areas with cold winters by producing seedlings under cover, or in a warmer are, and transplanting when outside conditions become favourable for growth. • More uniform plant spacing, as well as replacement of “missing or eaten” plants when established in the field.48 agribusinessmonthly.com | December 2016

in which the seedlings are produced are shade OPEN SEED BED on the size of the seed. Seed should alwayshouses, which use shade cloth. Use is made of Site Selection be sowed to a depth of two and a half timesblack 20% shade cloth for vegetable seedlings. The site for a seed bed must be carefully the diameter of the seed. In order to prevent selected. It should be easily accessible, because overcrowding of seedlings, rather err by sowing Should the seedlings be grown in trays the seed beds should be inspected and attended too thinly than too densely. As a general rule,placed directly on the ground, or any other to daily, in order to make management sow about 100 to 150 seeds per running metersolid surface, their roots will tend to grow out decisions on irrigation, pest and disease of plant row.the drainage holes at the bottom of the cavities control. Avoid using soils subject to capping(or Cells). At transplanting this would cause (crusting); preferably, select lighter soil types, The seedling rate for any crop willdifficulty in removing seedlings, would damage such as sandy loam soils. These soils warm obviously vary, depending on the number ofthe roots, causing a greater transplant shock up quickly, generally drain well, are easier seeds per gram of the particular seed lot, itsand plant setback, and would negate most to cultivate, and most seedlings will emerge germination ability, the growing conditions toadvantages of raising plants in such containers. more easily, and grow better. Frequent light which it is subjected, and the plant populationIf the trays were to be raised about 60 cm above watering’s required for optimum germination desired on the land. Contact Diccon Robinsonground, with drainage holes exposed to the and growth. Bed can be covered with thatching Cell: +268 7602 5482 for seeding rate perair, roots do not grow out of them and would grass to help with moisture control especially hectare. Common seedling rates for a hectareremain within the cell cavity, with much better seed planted very shallow e.g. Cabbage and are 300 to 400 g for most Cole crops (cabbagetransplanting results. To achieve this, two other fine seeds. When germination takes place family). 250 to 350 g for capsicums (chilies andparallel lengths of 16 gauge wire(60 cm apart) the straw can be raised by putting plastic pipes sweet peppers), 250 g for tomatoes, 500 g forare drawn taut over a pole structure about 60 between rows to raise the straw and therefore brinjal (egg Plant) and lettuce, and 3 to 5 kgcm high and spaced 2,8 m apart down the rows. acclimatize the seedling to the sun. The site for onions. Many growers customarily sow 10The ends of the seedling trays rest the wires, should be protected from cold and wind. Good to 15% more seed than considered necessary,thus allowing a free flow of air past the bottoms air circulation is advisable around seedlings in to ensure that there are sufficient plants, evenof the trays. order to reduce disease incidence. Soil seedling after fairly stringent selection of the seedling to beds can be sterilized with boiling water before be planted out. The trays used for large scale production planting of seeds. Avoid low lying areas whereare usually 670mm long, 340mm wide and 50 cold air drains. Beds must be rotated and After Careto 60mm deep. The numbers of cavities per treated for nematodes. After sowing, frequently, (daily or eventray vary. The fewer the cavities per tray, the Soil preparation twice daily during hot, dry weather, lightlarger the cells are, and the longer the seedlings The Soil needs to be well prepared, and irrigations are necessary to prevent thecan be kept before becoming root bound. The in good tilth. As most transplanted vegetables drying out of the top soil in which the seed iscost of producing each seedling is appreciably have relatively small seed, the soil surface planted, after emergence, gradually increasehigher, as fewer seedlings are produced over should be fine, but not pulverized. In many the interval between irrigations as the plantstime per unit area, and more growing medium instances, soil fumigation may be advisable become stronger. Ensure than seedling beds dois used per plant in large cavities. Because of for the control of nematodes: certain weeds, not become too wet, because such conditionsthis cost factor, nurseries favor the use of trays and other pests and diseases, may also be favours the development of many diseases,with many small cavities, hence the use of 200 controlled with some of these chemicals. A soil especially damping off and foliar diseases.cells, or even 128 cells for certain crops such as test for where your seedling beds should have If seedlings have been produced undertomatoes and peppers. been done long before the planting date. The shade cloth or other shelter, the cover should soils should be limed if necessary, and should be gradually removed or moved outside to SEEDING TRAYS be well fertilized. On soils of low fertility, a pre acclimatize the plants to the outside conditions. Well decomposed pine bark, coir and plant incorporation of about 10 kg per 100 m² Hardening, which is the process of adaptingvermiculite is weed free and recommended of a general fertilizer mixture such as 2:3:4 (39) seedlings to field conditions, should take placefor seedling trays. Seed is normally planted + Zn should be adequate for most seedling 7 to 14 days prior to transplanting. Harding willmechanically into the tray cavities. Very crops. Beds are usually made about 1, 0 m wide, increase the transplanting success rate, to doimportant that seed is placed at the correct and of any convenient length. They should be this withhold moisture or reduce / increase thedepth and in the center of the cavity for good level across their width, with no high spots temperature to which the seedlings are exposedroot growth. The trays are then lightly watered (too dry) or low spots (too wet). The beds are to.and placed in a germination room with high usually raised about 150 mm above the access Give beds a good soaking a day beforehumidity and a moderate temperature of pathways between them, to facilitate GOOD transplanting to facilitate lifting of the seedlingsbetween 20 to 25 ˚C. About 3 to 5 days later drainage. with minimal root damage. Just rememberthe trays are removed and placed on the racks Sowing what is above the ground is below the groundwhere they are watered, often several times The seed is sown thinly, usually in shallow in root development. Don’t prune the rootsduring the day depending on the temperature furrows drawn 100 mm to 150 mm apart, and when lifting seedlings in the beds. Wrapand the time of the year. Nutrients are added covered to a depth of 3 to 10 mm depending seedlings in paper to transport in crates to theto the watering to stimulate growth after fields to plant out. Under warm conditions,germination. Drainage within the nursery area most seedlings will reach the transplantingis very important to combat disease. To prevent stage 4 to 6 weeks, but this period may doubledisease the trays are sterilized after use before under colder conditions. Traditional transplantnext planting, either by means of steam or size is when the plant is at the 5 to 6 true leafchemical means such as Copper Oxychloride stage. During growth in the seedbeds, attentionor Spore kill. It is essential with seedling to weed control, as well as the control of pestsproduction to maintain good sanitation in the or disease, should receive priority.nursery. Transplanting should be done as late in the The copper in products helps with root afternoon as possible in Summer or as earlypruning and prevents root caging. Root caging as possible in the mornings in Winter. Wateroccurs when the roots reach the cavity wall seedlings directly after transplanting. Specialand grow down, which will reduce the plants attention should be paid to further irrigation,rooting volume. The copper on the other hand and replacing any dead or weak plants,cauterizes the roots causing a pruning effect until the seedlings have recovered from anywhen it reaches the cavity wall; subsequent transplanting shock.lateral growth of the roots results increasedroot volume of the plant. Most trays also taper For further information on seedlingand are open at the base of each cavity, which production contact Diccon Robinson Cell: +268causes air pruning. 7602 5482 email: [email protected]. agribusinessmonthly.com | January 2017 49

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