By Seahlolo Reporter
In the quiet village of St. Monicas on the outskirts of Hlotse in the Leribe district, a farm that once began with nothing but vegetables on borrowed soil has grown into a thriving agribusiness that produces vegetables, grains, and meat all year round.
Village Fresh Veggies & Meat, founded by farmer and entrepreneur, Mamasoabi Horoto, is now a living example of what persistence, innovation and the right support can achieve.
The farm’s journey began humbly in the year 2000, long before land ownership was secured. Vegetables were planted wherever space was available, and income was barely enough to sustain the work.
“My farming year began very early before I could even have land. In 2005 I finally had land and produced vegetables for sale. In 2015 the government of Lesotho aided me with a small shade net. That was the very beginning of my real journey.”
Like many farmers, Mamasoabi faced years of rejection and disappointment.
She first applied under SADP I, but her application did not succeed. Still, she did not give up.
The resilience to keep planting, learning, and growing became her anchor and when SADP II opened its doors, she tried again — this time with success.
The grant she received through SADP II was transformative.
Village Fresh Veggies & Meat was equipped with boreholes, tanks, and greenhouses spanning 30 by 60 metres.
A farm that once relied on roof gutters for water was suddenly secured with a reliable borehole and pump generator.
“Before, we collected water from roof gutters but with SADP II, we were granted a borehole with two tanks and a pump. That changed everything,” she said.
Training accompanied the grant, and with it came knowledge that would shape the farm’s resilience.
“ SADP II introduced workshops on seedling production, pest management, irrigation techniques, and general horticulture. These were not abstract lessons — they were practical solutions to everyday challenges. In vegetable production, I had pest challenges and the workshops provided valuable techniques and information on how to manage them. During heavy rainfalls, the shade nets protected us from both hail and rapid rain,” she explained.
The results were visible.
Where once there was struggle, now there is consistency. Village Fresh Veggies & Meat supplies vegetables and meat under contract farming arrangements with suppliers.
Markets that once felt distant are now within reach, supported further by her commitment to digital marketing.
“We do not struggle with the market at all. Through SADP II assistance, the farm created profits that even afforded the purchase of a car for logistics, making stock supply easy,” she said with pride.
“The car is more than a convenience; it is a symbol of how far the farm has come. In the past, money drained away in transport costs, eroding profits and slowing growth. Today, logistics are managed strategically, ensuring that earnings go back into building the farm.” she said.
She noted that structures for layer and broiler chickens were built, expanding production beyond vegetables into meat.
Five acres of maize are harvested, ensuring not just profit but also feed for poultry and an affordable supply for small-scale farmers in the area.
For Mamasoabi, farming is about more than income. It is about creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation.
Village Fresh Veggies & Meat now employs three permanent workers and mentors seven young farmers.
“The workshops paired with experience have made me knowledgeable and I focus on climate change sensitisation and climate-smart agriculture. It is visible that the youth are steadfast in pursuing agriculture,” she said.
Her mentorship reflects a deep belief in farming as a national solution: “It is important that farmers believe in themselves. Agriculture does not only require passion but courage as well. With patience, hope and persistence, I promise you will eventually defeat hunger.”
The impact of SADP II shines through her story and beyond grants and training, it has given farmers like Mamasoabi a chance to transform farming from hand-to-mouth survival into sustainable business.
“It is my plea for the government to continue the SADP II initiative. The agricultural industry continues to need the impact of SADP II. I am where I am because of SADP II and it is my wish for every farmer to benefit from it,” she said.
Yet even with success, challenges remain. Farming is never without risk and climate change, pests, and water management remain constant threats. But, Village Fresh Veggies & Meat stands as proof that with resilience and the right support, farmers can rise above these challenges.
