National Maize Corporation

The National Maize Corporation (NMC) stands as Eswatini’s leading state-owned agribusiness, driving food security and sustainable agricultural growth across the Kingdom. Headquartered at the 11th Street Industrial Site in Matsapha, the corporation serves as a vital link between local farmers and the competitive grains and cereals market. With an annual turnover of approximately two hundred and forty million Emalangeni and a network of five regional depots, NMC ensures that high-quality white maize, premium rice, and sugar beans reach communities throughout the Hhohho District and beyond.

NMC’s operations are anchored by a robust infrastructure totaling 23,500 metric tons of storage capacity. The main depot in Matsapha (Manzini) holds 20,000 metric tons, while satellite facilities in Ntfonjeni, Ngwempisi, Madulini, and Kalanga support the maize receiving period from July to September. This strategic presence allows the corporation to procure, store, dry, fumigate, and distribute staple grains efficiently, safeguarding national food reserves and stabilizing market prices for consumers.

Subsidy Programmes & Farmer Support

Central to NMC’s mission is the Subsidy Programmes initiative, designed to empower small-scale farmers with affordable tools and inputs. The corporation bridges the resource gap by offering subsidized tractor hire services, where the government covers thirty percent of the hourly cost and farmers contribute the remaining seventy percent. This mechanization support ensures timely land preparation and planting, boosting productivity across Eswatini’s rural areas.

Farmers receive more than just machinery. The Inputs Subsidy component provides access to affordable agricultural consumables, helping producers establish their crops without crippling upfront costs. Payments are streamlined through Eswatini Bank branches, and coordination with Rural Development Areas ensures that tractor scheduling and job card management run smoothly. NMC also contracts private tractor operators to supplement its fleet, guaranteeing that ploughing services reach even the most remote fields.

Tractor Hire Services

The Tractor Hire Services program is a cornerstone of the subsidy framework. Delivered at a flat rate, these services are registered and dispatched through the NMC Tractor Pool Coordinator, creating an organized, transparent process. The goal is to provide effective and efficient mechanization that helps local farmers meet critical planting windows.

Contract Farming Program

The Contract Farming Program is NMC’s most dynamic farmer partnership model. Through this initiative, the corporation enters into formal agreements with local producers, guaranteeing a ready market for their grain while offering premium prices. Participants benefit from technical guidance and subsidized farming services that span the entire production cycle—from land preparation to post-harvest handling.

This program de-risks agriculture for Eswatini’s growers by securing offtake agreements and providing extension support. NMC’s 33 expert team members work closely with farmers to improve crop quality, adopt best practices, and meet market standards. The result is a reliable supply of superior white maize and beans that feeds the nation and supports export readiness.

Farmer Development & Youth Empowerment

NMC’s Farmer Development Programme is a core pillar that extends beyond immediate crop cycles to build long-term agricultural resilience. The corporation invests in capacity building for maize and bean production, equipping farmers with modern agronomic skills. Dedicated Farmer Development Officers work on the ground, offering personalized advice and connecting growers to financing partners.

A standout initiative is the Youth Incubation Programme, which nurtures the next generation of agripreneurs. Young participants receive mentorship, access to land preparation services, and a pathway into commercial farming. By combining Contract Farming opportunities with youth-focused support, NMC ensures that Eswatini’s agricultural sector remains vibrant and generational.

Grain Storage, Drying & Fumigation Services

Post-harvest management is where NMC’s infrastructure truly shines. The corporation offers professional grain storage in its 23,500-metric-ton depot network, protecting harvested crops from pests and moisture. Matsapha and Madulini depots operate year-round, providing a safe harbor for farmers and commercial buyers alike. Controlled drying services reduce moisture content to optimal levels, preventing aflatoxin contamination and preserving germination quality.

Complementing storage, NMC provides fumigation services to eliminate insect infestations without compromising grain integrity. These post-harvest solutions allow farmers to store their harvest longer, sell into higher-priced off-season markets, and maintain grades that meet export specifications. For grain traders and processors, this creates a consistent supply of clean, market-ready commodities.

Premium Products Portfolio

The National Maize Corporation delivers a focused portfolio of staple foods that define Eswatini’s culinary identity. The flagship product is clean, dry white maize—the foundational ingredient for wholesome pap and porridge. Sourced through the Contract Farming network and processed to stringent quality standards, NMC’s white maize commands trust with every bag delivered to millers and households.

Umndeni beans and Sihlobo rice complement the product line, offering convenient, nutritious options for everyday meals. Umndeni beans support Eswatini’s food culture with easy-to-cook pulses, while Sihlobo rice provides a versatile grains complement. Each product reflects NMC’s commitment to food security, extending access to reliable, affordable nutrition across the nation.

Serving Matsapha, Bulembu & the Hhohho District

While NMC’s headquarters are in Matsapha, the corporation’s reach spans the entire country, including Bulembu and the Hhohho District. The Ntfonjeni depot plays a key role in aggregating maize from northern producers, ensuring that farmers in Hhohho enjoy the same access to subsidy programs, tractor hire, and crop marketing as those in other regions. This decentralized model strengthens rural economies and reduces post-harvest losses near the farm gate.

NMC’s impact is measured not just in metric tons but in the livelihoods it supports. Over 4,000 farmers are directly engaged through the corporation’s programs, creating a multiplier effect that benefits input suppliers, transporters, and local retailers. By purchasing grain at competitive prices and providing technical support, NMC helps keep Eswatini’s agricultural value chain moving forward.

The NMC’s Award & Farmer Recognition

Beyond contracts and subsidies, NMC cultivates a culture of excellence through the NMC’s Award. This non-cash recognition program honors top-performing and loyal maize suppliers, celebrating their contribution to national food security. Farmers who consistently deliver quality grain and adopt recommended practices are publicly acknowledged, motivating peers to elevate their own standards.

The award reflects NMC’s philosophy that farmer motivation is as critical as technical inputs. By spotlighting success stories, the corporation fosters healthy competition and a sense of pride among Eswatini’s agricultural community. It is a tangible symbol of the partnership between NMC and the thousands of producers who form the backbone of the maize value chain.

Distribution & Market Access

Through a well-organized distribution network, NMC ensures that its grains and pulses reach wholesalers, retailers, and processors efficiently. The five-depot system acts as a hub-and-spoke model, with Matsapha serving as the central warehousing and logistics command. From there, products are dispatched to meet demand during both peak and lean seasons, stabilizing availability and curbing price volatility.

NMC’s role as a market facilitator extends to creating transparent pricing signals that benefit both farmers and buyers. By aggregating supply and managing quality, the corporation de-risks the market for private-sector participants while fulfilling its mandate to support sustainable agricultural trade. This dual focus on commercial viability and public good defines NMC’s unique position in the food system.

Commitment to Quality & Compliance

Every step of NMC’s operation is guided by strict compliance standards. From the moment maize is received at the depot to the final bagging for distribution, quality checks safeguard purity, moisture content, and freedom from contaminants. The corporation’s fumigation protocols use approved methods to protect both consumer health and grain integrity.

NMC also works with farmers to implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), reducing the need for corrective post-harvest treatments. This upstream focus on quality pays dividends in market access, as consistent, high-grade maize opens doors to premium buyers and export channels. For customers in Eswatini and beyond, NMC’s name on a bag is a mark of reliability.

Contact, Hours & Directions

The National Maize Corporation welcomes inquiries from farmers, traders, and partners. The head office and main depot are located at 11th Street, Industrial Site in Matsapha, Eswatini. Business hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM, Monday through Friday, providing a dependable window for appointments, delivery coordination, and farm service registration. Phone and email channels connect clients directly with NMC’s team for program details, pricing, and contracting opportunities.