The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition says a high yield is expected in winter cropping as the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition engaged in block farming in some districts of the country.

This, Mr. Thabo Mofosi said when stating a report on winter cropping through government block farming.

Mr. Mofosi said the government had aimed to plough 1,564.80 hectares at Ha Manama in Leribe but managed to plough only 736.24 due to torrential rains hence the fields were muddy.

He added that at Ha Ratau in Maseru, the government wanted to plough 550 hectares but managed to plough 440. 73, adding that the intention was also to plough 400 and 350 at Ha Maoela and Qalabane in Mafeteng but 414.39 and 253.21 was ploughed respectively because there were no more fields available to plough.

He, therefore, noted that of the 2.864 .80 hectares that the government intended to plough at the mentioned areas, 1,520.44 was ploughed, emphasising that this is indeed an achievement.

He also mentioned that preparations for summer cropping will be the same as those of winter cropping as farming inputs will be subsidised.

He added that the ministry is also preparing to support farming in potatoes, vegetables, fruits, milk, eggs and meat, saying an announcement regarding this will also be made through different media platforms.

In addition, Mr. Mofosi said some of the achievements of the government in farming include subsidy of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, availability of farming inputs in the districts, block farming, job creation for machinery owners, and the latest technology in soil conservation as well as the signing of contracts by 80 youth with Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP).

He, therefore, said the ministry recommends that seeds must be produced in the country and Basotho be encouraged to provide their fields for block farming to produce food, adding that they encourage farmers to test the soil to check soil salinity so that if need be, soil with insufficient salts will be enhanced.

In conclusion, he warned some members of the public to refrain from misleading others on agricultural issues.

Meanwhile, farming inputs that include seeds and fertilisers for summer cropping have already been purchased and are expected to be available in the country next week.

The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition subsidized fertilisers by 80 percent while seeds, herbicides and pesticides will be subsidised by 70 percent.

In addition, prices for farming inputs will be announced upon availability in the country.

Source: LENA 13/08/2023