Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso shone a spotlight on farmers and producers at the third National Market Day, engaging directly with exhibitors and underscoring the significance of local production for the country’s food security.
Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition through the Smallholder Agricultural Development Project (SADP), the event took place at Pitso Ground in Maseru on January 30th, 2026, bringing together farmers, producers, buyers and key stakeholders.
Among those present were the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and various industry players from across the country.
Principal Secretary Khothatso Tsoana welcomed Her Majesty, announcing that she would tour the stalls to hear directly from producers about their experiences.
Minister of Agriculture, Thabo Mofosi, officially opened the event, outlining its growth and purpose.
“This is our third year hosting this event, bringing together farmers and producers from all districts and inviting buyers to enhance market access. At our first National Market Day, we had over one hundred attendees; in the second year, attendance exceeded two hundred, and now we expect between three hundred and four hundred exhibitors, a huge growth from when we began,” he said.
The Minister noted the steady growth and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding participation, emphasising that the event is not just for farmers but for all producers.
He concluded by announcing plans to host similar market days in districts to enable more producers to showcase their products.
The Queen’s arrival was met with enthusiasm and cheers as farmers proudly displayed their produce. Moving from stall to stall, she greeted vendors seated under banners and gazebos celebrating local products, engaging them in discussions about seasonal harvests, market access and production challenges.
Among the exhibitors was ‘Makuena Khoeli of Riverside Fresh Produce, who shared the farm’s journey since its establishment in 2014.
She explained that the farm produces eggs and pigs and supplies egg products to various chain stores. The Queen praised the farm’s contributions to the community.
Khoeli highlighted the farm’s commitment to food safety, noting that working with formal markets under contracts provides stability. She explained that chain stores demand well-packaged and branded eggs produced under strict health standards.
“Before we deliver food to the markets, we ensure that it does not pose any harm to people’s health,” she said, revealing that Riverside Fresh Produce conducts annual audits to maintain quality, sustainability, and food safety standards.
Her Majesty also visited Sister Julia Mafike of JMM Beekeeping, who welcomed the Queen and ministers with cheers and expressed pride in sharing her beekeeping journey. Mafike emphasised the importance of bees and highlighted propolis as one of their key products.
“At JMM Beekeeping, we are passionate about producing products from bees with propolis as a vital product mainly for combating viruses and bacteria.”
She added that propolis aids in wound healing and protects cells from damage. JMM Beekeeping offered tastings to Her Majesty and attendees, generating interest and engagement.
Mafike concluded by stating that National Market Day brings producers closer to buyers and thanked the Ministry of Agriculture for organising events that benefit Basotho. The Queen and the Minister of Agriculture inquired about beekeeping, and her explanation of the importance of bees to human life and environmental health impressed many.
Her Majesty’s presence reflected strong royal interest in national food security. Farmers noted that interacting with the Queen boosted their morale and reinforced the significance of their work on a national level.
Minister Mofosi concluded the event by reminding attendees that King Letsie III is the African Union Nutrition Champion, highlighting the broader national commitment to nutrition and food production.
National Market Day continues to serve as a platform for farmers and producers to showcase their products to buyers while highlighting Lesotho’s agricultural growth. The event underscored the importance of supporting local farmers, promoting sustainable practices and prioritising nutrition in national development.