MASERU
Despite an increase in agricultural production in recent years, farmers in Lesotho are facing a major hurdle in accessing markets to sell their produce. This was revealed by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Thabo Mofosi, during a presentation at the Portfolio Committee on the Economic and Development Cluster.
Mofosi explained that even though production went up in the 2025/2026 financial year, the government was unable to buy all the grains from farmers, leaving many without a market for their produce. He also noted that some of the produce was not competitive in the market, making it difficult for farmers to sell.
To address this challenge, Mofosi strongly advised the need for constant training to inform and educate farmers. He revealed that the Ministry had started a regional exercise in 2025/26 to train farming input producers, with the aim of improving the quality and competitiveness of their produce.
The Minister also announced plans to hand over the sale of farming inputs to an Agent, who would sell them to farmers, making it easier for them to access the inputs they need. This move is expected to promote accessibility and affordability of farming inputs, on the other hand benefiting farmers.
However, the Ministry is facing some challenges, including a decline in revenue collection on importation due to a new system for permit issuance. Additionally, the ban on the importation of livestock and unprocessed meat from South Africa due to Foot and Mouth Disease has also affected the Ministry’s revenue.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry remains committed to backing farmers and improving agricultural production in Lesotho. The government is working to address the market access challenge and ensure that farmers have a reliable market for their produce.
The issue of market access is a pressing one, and farmers are calling for urgent action to address it. Many farmers have expressed frustration at being unable to sell their produce, which has resulted in financial losses. The government has assured farmers that it is working to address the issue and provide them with the support they need.
In the meantime, farmers are advised to form cooperatives and work together to access markets and negotiate better prices for their produce. The government is also encouraging farmers to diversify their crops and explore new markets, both locally and regionally.
The agricultural sector is a crucial part of Lesotho’s economy, and addressing the market access challenge is crucial to its growth and development. The government is committed to supporting farmers and ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to succeed.
