Lesotho’s farming sector received a major boost on October 31, 2025, as the country took delivery of more than 148 units of agricultural machinery and equipment from the People’s Republic of China.
The consignment, valued at M36 million, is part of the China-Aid Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Agreement signed in September 2024 by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Thabo Mofosi, and the Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, Yang Xiaokun.
The new machinery, which includes five combined harvesters, eight tractors, 10 stationary threshers, 25 wheat-type harvesters, and 100 two-wheeled tractors, is expected to transform the way Basotho farmers work, improve productivity and reduce the burden of manual labour.
The equipment is viewed as a key step toward achieving Lesotho’s vision of food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane described the donation as a game-changer in Lesotho’s ongoing fight against hunger and poverty.
“We say thank you. The equipment being handed over today shall go a long way in helping with the eradication of hunger and poverty,” he said.
Matekane emphasised that most Basotho depend on farming for their livelihoods and that the machinery represents hope for increased efficiency and improved production.
“Our people depend on farming for survival, and it is crucial that we equip them with tools that enhance productivity,” he added.
The Prime Minister urged all recipients to make good use of the machinery and ensure that it contributes to long-term growth and sustainability within the sector.
His remarks come at a time when the government continues to invest heavily in agriculture. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the Ministry of Agriculture received a record budget allocation of M1.1 billion, which increased to M1.3 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year. The commitment to sustain the allocation at M1.3 billion in the current year shows the government’s determination to prioritise food production and rural development.
Despite these efforts, agricultural performance in the 2023/2024 period fell short of expectations due to the El Niño phenomenon, which brought prolonged dry conditions and poor harvests. This new support from China is expected to help position the sector for recovery and renewed growth.
Ambassador Yang Xiaokun expressed his government’s pride in contributing to Lesotho’s agricultural development, saying, “Our collaboration represents friendship and shared progress. I look forward to tasting maize, sorghum or wheat produced by Basotho farmers using this machinery after the next harvest season. That moment will bring me even greater happiness and pride.” The ambassador said.
He extended his gratitude to the ministers, departments and all those who worked to make the handover possible.
Xiaokun also highlighted other milestones under China-Lesotho cooperation, mentioning the new modern building along the A1 Highway, the China-Aid Agriculture Storage and Logistics Infrastructure, which has recently passed its acceptance testing.
“Another handing-over ceremony is forthcoming,” he revealed, pointing to further developments such as zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines and the new protocol on greasy wool exports to China.
He also noted the ongoing Juncao (Mushroom) Cultivation and Technical Cooperation Project and said that the China-Africa Development Fund is exploring investment opportunities in Lesotho.
“Many private Chinese companies are planning to establish partnerships with Basotho entrepreneurs,” he revealed.
Chieftainess ‘Mamolapo Qhobela Majara of Ha-Majara welcomed the arrival of the equipment, describing it as timely and crucial for farmers preparing for the planting season.
“This comes at the right time and will make a big difference in how our farmers work,” she said.
Deputy Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, ‘Malereko Molefi, said the machinery will play an important role in transforming agriculture, not only by increasing productivity but also by reviving idle land and encouraging youth participation in farming.
“This machinery will help us bring idle land back into cultivation and attract young people to agriculture. It will also reduce post-harvest losses by improving handling and processing efficiency.”
She noted that the Ministry’s goal is to create a more commercial, nutrition-driven and job-creating agricultural system.
“The machinery will play a vital role in transforming Lesotho’s food systems by promoting mechanised, efficient and sustainable agriculture that ensures consistent food availability and strengthens food security for our people,” Molefi said.
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