…Lesotho’s Agriculture Sector Buckles Under Rising Costs Lesotho’s farmers are no longer just battling droughts and disease; their biggest fight is now at the fuel pump. A steep rise in fuel prices, driven by global tensions in the Middle East, is sending shockwaves through the country’s agricultural sector, raising production costs, squeezing profits, and threatening…

…Lesotho imported over US$9.5 million worth of fertilisers in 2024 For farmers, the cost of war is not measured in headlines, but in inputs. It shows up in the price of fertiliser, in delayed shipments and in the growing uncertainty of whether the next planting season will be viable. The ongoing conflict between Iran and…

…Armed forces mum as politicians continue moving livestock Lesotho’s fight to contain foot-and-mouth disease is being undermined in plain sight. Even as authorities impose strict bans on livestock movement and gatherings, cattle racing competitions continue across parts of the country, organised by popular politicians, raising alarm among officials, farmers and industry stakeholders. The country recently…

A sharp rise in fuel prices has sparked concern over Lesotho’s food security, with former Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro warning that the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict could threaten future harvests. “The US elects its president in 2024, and he takes office in January 2025. In just over a year, missiles rain down on the Middle…

… Marks Milestone in Smart Farming Rain Farm celebrated a remarkable journey with the Second Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP II) at Ha Makhalanyane with ululations, songs, poems, and smiles. The event brought together the Makhalanyane community, Sekete Primary students, and farmers from across Lesotho, marking the achievements of Rasekoala’s farming venture. “I grew up…

Lesotho Dairy Products temporarily suspended milk collection in March this year to carry out essential maintenance at its processing plant, leaving many farmers with surplus milk and nowhere to sell it. The halt, which ran until 1 April, was necessary to repair the plant’s Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) system and fix machinery faults affecting milk handling quality….

Farmers, bankers, and project officials convened in Mohale’s Hoek for an open discussion on the implementation of the Smallholder Agricultural Development Project Phase II (SADP II) Matching Grants Programme, tackling long-standing challenges that have hindered progress and delayed benefits for beneficiaries. The two-day meeting, organised by SADP II, aimed to identify operational bottlenecks in the…

Director General veterinary services Dr Lepheane has confirmed new cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in five districts of Lesotho, raising concern among livestock farmers. The outbreaks have been recorded in Letseng (21), Mahlasela(6), Matsoku (4), Vuka-Mosotho(4), Ha Mokhothu(3) and Letlapeng (2), affecting districts including Butha-Buthe District, Mokhotlong District, Leribe District, Berea District and…

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…

Thirty-five young farmers in Quthing have received broiler chickens as part of a government-supported initiative aimed at enhancing youth participation in agriculture and addressing unemployment. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, through the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP II), distributed 200 broiler chickens and 14 bags of feed to each beneficiary. This initiative…