The Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane officially opened the Thaba Tseka Farmers Forum on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Matekane applauded the farmers for doing their best for the good health of the Lilala.

He said agriculture is the backbone of the country, saying with Agriculture the country can afford to feed its citizens and commercialise those products.

He said he is glad that he is part of the launch, noting that if they work hard to produce more, Lesotho will not export agricultural products from South Africa.

He said they are currently in talks with other African countries to import meat products but said once the talks have been finalized an announcement will be made.

The Prime Minister added that to address the lack of transport, he will discuss the issue with the Minister of Agriculture to find ways to address the situation

A Member of Parliament for Thaba-Tseka Mrs. ‘Mamamello Holomo said they are glad to have this forum.

She said people tend to eat unhealthy food thinking of it as a sign of wealth, noting however that it is not healthy.

Mrs. Holomo said if Basotho are passionate about their local products, the economy will improve as the products can be sold to other countries.

The Chairperson of the Thaba Tseka Farmers Forum, Mr. Mpotane Noko said with the Rural Self Help Development (RSDA) and Extension Officers, they are able to produce enough even for commercial purposes.

He said this year, they have produced beans in abundance and that the government is not able to buy them all.

He said the challenges they are faced with include a lack of access roads and transport. He also pleaded with the Ministry to provide training to Extension Officers four times a year to build their confidence and competence.

He added that they have a plan to establish a company as the Farmers Forum, saying everyone’s support will be welcomed.

At the same event, Chef Sekamotho Moteane together with Chef Moletsane made local products and cuisine that was presented to the Prime Minister for taste.

They cooked lamb shank with beans and sorghum as well as the bean salad.

The forum has 240 members and has expanded to Resource Centres at Bobete, Lilala, Lesobeng, Sehong-hong, Khohlontšo and Mantšonyane. It is governed by a committee of 10 members representing all agricultural resource centres.

The launch was graced by Slow Food International, RSDA and the public.

Source: LENA 28/10/2023