The government of Lesotho through the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) has engaged in the second purchase of food grains from Basotho farmers starting Monday, December 4, 2023.

Speaking in an interview with the Agency on Sunday, the Assistant Information Officer of the Disaster Management Authority, Ms. Mahlape Koali said that this comes after an exercise was carried out by the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee, which its recommendations led the government into holding the second cohort of purchases.

She noted the purchase of food grains is going to be carried out in all ten districts of Lesotho at the offices of the Food Management Unit (FMU).

She added that the food grains to be bought from Basotho farmers are beans, wheat and maize of good quality in quantities of 50 kilograms, saying a unit price is expected to be M275.00 for maize and wheat.

Ms. Koali said the unit price for the purchase of beans is expected to vary based on different varieties of beans and will cost M1500.00 to M1200.00 respectively as per 50 Kilograms.

She added that the purchase is also expected to be carried out also in quantities of tons and more as per the production of each farmer.

The purchase of food grains by the government of Lesotho is an initiative by which the government supports local farmers while also improving food security for vulnerable households across the country through donations.

Source: LENA 03/12/2023