Lesotho's premier and only dedicated agricultural publication, focusing on news, insights, and developments within the country's agricultural sector.
The district of Leribe is grappling with an invasive worm species that is causing alarm among sorghum farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, through its Department of Crops, has confirmed the presence of these destructive pests. The outbreak was first reported in the Likhetlane area a fortnight ago. Local farmers raised…
The Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) is nearing completion of a state-of-the-art plant tissue culture laboratory, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at supplying the agricultural sector with locally adapted seed varieties. Funded by the African Partnership Programme for Sustainable Agriculture (APPSA), the facility, set to launch in June, is situated on the grounds of the Lesotho…
Farmers across the country’s highlands are sounding the alarm over a surge in Bluetongue disease, known locally as Boloutomo, which is spreading rapidly among livestock in Quthing, Mohale’s Hoek, and Maseru. Reports from affected farmers indicate that the viral infection, which primarily targets sheep, is spreading at an alarming rate. Richard Bullet, a farmer from…
A total of 96 smallholder farmers from the southern region have secured financial grants under the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project II (SADP II), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to boost food production and agricultural resilience. The selected farmers, drawn from Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing, and Qacha’s Nek, were chosen from a competitive…
His Majesty King Letsie III, the African Union’s Nutrition Champion and FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, has issued a strong call to men across Lesotho: “step up and take an active role in nutrition initiatives to secure better health and stronger livelihoods for families and communities”. Speaking at a recent nutrition clubs exhibition in…
A team of agricultural experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition is working tirelessly to contain the spread of the African armyworm in Mohale’s Hoek and Mafeteng, Minister Thabo Mofosi has confirmed. Addressing parliament yesterday, Minister Mofosi raised an alarm over the severity of the outbreak, warning that it poses a direct…
Horticulture has long been recognised as a potential driver of economic growth and poverty reduction in Lesotho. With its ability to meet growing food demands and provide income-generating opportunities, the sector holds significant promise, however, despite its potential, smallholder farmers—who form the backbone of Lesotho’s agriculture—face substantial challenges, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and restricted…
In a strategic move to safeguard farmers against the growing risks posed by natural disasters, the Government of Lesotho is set to roll out an Agricultural Insurance Program under the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project II (SADP II). The initiative, backed by the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development…
Lesotho is on the verge of a transformative agricultural venture as Afaw Girma Sahilegeberal, an Ethiopian entrepreneur representing J.OIL Coffee Import and Export PLC, explores the potential of launching a coffee production facility in the country. Known for its rich coffee heritage, Ethiopia ranks among the world’s top coffee exporters, and Sahilegeberal now aims to…
Across the nation, local female farmers are joining forces to establish a thriving agricultural value chain that expands their market access and strengthens their collective presence in Lesotho’s agricultural sector. This ground-breaking initiative is spearheaded by the organisation Farm Girls, which aims to empower women farmers through collaboration, skill-sharing, and strategic partnerships. By uniting their…