By Ntsoaki Motaung
The Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association (LNWMGA) hosted a successful sheep and goat auction in Maseru on Wednesday, with a primary goal of enhancing the country’s wool and mohair production.
The event, which showcased over 100 sheep and 100 goats, aimed to encourage local sourcing of improved livestock and foster economic growth within the country.
LNWMGA Chairperson Mokoenehi Thinyane highlighted the importance of reducing dependence on foreign livestock by stressing that Lesotho is capable of producing high-quality stock.
“This auction is organised to stop farmers from traveling abroad to purchase improved livestock when we have the capacity to breed the quality that is needed right here. We must keep our money circulating within the country, ensuring that our economy thrives,” Thinyane said.
He also took the opportunity to remind the public of Lesotho’s prominent global position in the wool and mohair industry, ranking second in mohair production and fourth in wool production.
This achievement, he pointed out, demonstrates the country’s growing potential to meet both local and international demand for these commodities.
Despite the country’s strong standing in the industry, Thinyane expressed concern about the government’s recent purchase of sheep from foreign countries for donation to local farmers, highlighting the need for more government support for domestic livestock sourcing.
“We need our government to support the ‘buy local’ initiative. It is disappointing that the Prime Minister’s office bought sheep from abroad for donation to farmers. This is not helping our local industry at all,” he charged.
He further highlighted that stock theft remains a significant issue for farmers, with many losing their investments in improved livestock to criminals.
Thinyane urged the government to take more proactive steps to address the security challenges facing farmers, which continue to hinder their ability to grow their businesses.
In response, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, Nutrition pledged the ministry’s continued support for initiatives aimed at improving local production.
Echoing Thinyane’s sentiments, the minister reaffirmed the importance of prioritising locally produced goods and ensuring that resources are directed towards strengthening domestic agriculture.
Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane attended the auction and praised the high quality of Lesotho’s wool and mohair.
He expressed confidence that the country will soon achieve the top global ranking for these products, stating, “Lesotho has the potential to lead the world in wool and mohair production, and we are committed to ensuring that the necessary support is in place to help our farmers reach this goal.”
The Prime Minister also committed to ensuring that his office will prioritise local sourcing of goods and services whenever possible, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering domestic industries.
The auction highlighted Lesotho’s growing capacity in livestock production, with both local farmers and buyers showing strong interest in the event.
Thinyane stressed that as the country continues to build on its agricultural strengths, the collaboration between the private sector, government, and organisations like the LNWMGA is expected to play a critical role in transforming Lesotho into a leading player in the global wool and mohair market.
“With government support and increased local sourcing, Lesotho’s agriculture sector has the potential to strengthen its position on the global stage while contributing to the nation’s overall economic development.”
“This successful auction is just one of many steps toward improving local production, addressing challenges such as stock theft, and ensuring a sustainable future for Lesotho’s farmers,” he said.
