The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Mr. Thabo Mofosi has revealed that Lesotho is on the right track in terms of wool and mohair production.

Speaking in an interview with the Agency on Thursday, Mr. Mofosi stated that with the Sheep Start Centre opened in the Quthing district, the country will be able to increase the production of sheep and goats that will be used for the wool and mohair production across the country.

He said the centre is equipped with machinery that will be used to store sperm for livestock artificial insemination for a longer period.

He also mentioned that the ministry is acquiring a nitrogen plant aimed at assisting with the necessary procedures towards the enhanced production of wool and mohair in Lesotho.

Mr. Mofosi further explained that the Quthing district centre will help save funds used for importing rams and ewes from South Africa.

In support and improvement of wool and mohair production, Storm Mountain Diamonds (SMD) through its Community Investment Strategy has donated 43 high breed rams and 86 pregnant ewes to the farmers in Kao. The farmers that benefited from this initiative are those residing in Ha Shishila, Lihloahloeng, Porenki, and Nokeng, which are villages surrounding the operations of the mine.

This initiative is meant to improve the breed of sheep for farmers residing in Kao to produce high-quality wool, which will sell at competitive prices in the market and thus improve the livelihoods of the communities surrounding Kao mining operations.

This is the second time that SMD has invested in the wool and mohair industry through the donation of rams and sheep. In 2022, SMD donated 30 high breed rams to the Motete Wool and Mohair Association. The mine further ensured the construction of offices, a kitchen and five accommodation rooms for the personnel working at the woolshed during the wool shearing season.

Source: LENA 21/09/2023