The Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane on Friday witnessed the wheat harvesting at Qiloane Thaba Bosiu.

In his remarks, he urged Lesotho farmers to engage in commercial farming to ensure food security for the nation.

He said collaboration between members of the community and farmers can maximize yield.

A Member of Parliament (MP) for Thaba-Bosiu Constituency, Mr. Joseph Malebaleba commended the Thaba Bosiu community for providing their fields for the project despite political affiliations.

He underscored the transformative potential of agriculture to alleviate people out of poverty, thus encouraging youth to take part in farming.

Moreover, the Project Manager, Mr. Bale Motlatsi explained that the 2023 wheat planting initiative covered various areas.

“Despite challenges like reluctance to offer fields and conflicts with grazing animals in Thaba -Bosiu, we anticipated wheat yield of at least 25 tons per area,” he said.

He added that the challenges included delays caused by heavy rainfalls last month, which he said posed threats of damage.

On the other hand, the Farmers’ representative, Mr. Lepae Hlehlisi expressed gratitude to the MP for spearheading efforts to help Thaba Bosiu villagers to fight hunger and poverty.

He encouraged unity through block farming emphasizing self-sufficiency to prevent dependence on foreign aid.

Meanwhile, the government also engaged in wheat block farming with Kolonyama farmers in Leribe and others in Mafeteng district.

Source: LENA  12/01/2024