Thabo Mofosi, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, has introduced stringent new regulations aimed at combating agricultural smuggling. These regulations are designed to enhance controls, strengthen enforcement, and impose harsher penalties on offenders.
The Agricultural Marketing (Products Control and Subsidies Input Protection) Regulations 2026 were presented to Parliament this week and will take effect on the date of publication in the Gazette.
Established under Section 4 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1967, these new regulations aim to create a regulated environment that enhances productivity and the welfare of farmers.
Key provisions of the regulations include:
● Prohibiting individuals from transporting, trading, or exporting agricultural products without a valid permit issued by the Ministry. Smuggled products will be confiscated and forfeited to the State.
● Implementing a centralised permit system for the movement and marketing of agricultural products.
● Banning the purchase of agricultural products with the intention of reselling them at market price.
Violating these regulations is a punishable offence. Offenders found guilty in a court of law face a fine of M10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.
For more severe violations, penalties increase to a fine of M20,000 or imprisonment for up to twelve months.
In line with efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, the Comprehensive National Agriculture Policy (CNAP) for Lesotho 2022-2026 emphasises the importance of robust regulations.
The policy seeks to improve agricultural productivity and ensure that all agricultural activities occur within a regulated environment. This includes a focus on developing infrastructure and providing support for farmers, thereby reducing reliance on illicit activities. The policy’s commitment to integrating smallholder farmers into the value chain underscores the need for proper certification and compliance to curb smuggling.
The law empowers agricultural imports and border control offices to inspect, seize, and report any violations. The Ministry will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with these regulations.
The government supports farmers through subsidised agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and other essential supplies, all offered at reduced prices to make farming more affordable.
A permit issued by the Ministry will specify the type, quality, origin, and destination of the agricultural products.