Libuseng Molato
The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, Thabo Mofosi, made a ground-breaking announcement regarding Lesotho potential to produce Red Meat.
Mofosi introduced Phallo Beef Limited, a locally owned company as the implementing organisation.
Founded by a Mosotho youth, Sebabatso Makoanyane, Phallo Beef Limited according to Mofosi is set to revolutionise Lesotho’s beef production industry by delivering grade A and B beef, a significant leap from the previous grade C standard the country could only produce.
Minister Mofosi expressed his pride and excitement, stating, “This is a great achievement for our nation. We are pleased to have someone come up with such a great idea which is a need and aligns with the government mission to develop agricultural sectors and, beef production was selected as the priority to reduce the rate of beef importation.”
Highlighting the company’s alignment with the government’s mission to develop the agricultural sector, Minister Mofosi emphasised the strategic importance of beef production as a priority to reduce beef importation rates and outlined the company’s commitment to job creation.
“There are plans underway to build high-standard abattoirs capable of slaughtering three hundred and twenty cows daily, alongside the establishment of multiple feedlots and calf and fodder production centres across all districts. Additionally, preparations include the construction of a tannery for leather products as by-products of the red meat industry.”
Minister Mofosi underscored the benefits for farmers, noting that Phallo Beef Limited would provide training in standard farming practices, veterinary services, and a civilian response system.
He encouraged all interested parties to engage with the resource centres in their respective districts for further information and guidance.
Responding to a query regarding government preparations for legislation on the import of superior livestock, Minister Mofosi assured that relevant policies were in progress.
He emphasised the importance of responsible livestock management, urging farmers to implement designated feedlots and undergo assessments for compliance.
Minister Mofosi assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s readiness, citing approved financial allocations for a trade park home equipped with state-of-the-art quality assurance machinery from Australia, aligning with international standards which would make meat export a reality.
Sebabatso Makoanyane, the visionary behind Phallo Beef Limited, outlined the construction timeline of the state-of-the-art abattoir is expected to commence on July 1, 2024, in Thabana-tšooana, in the Berea district, with completion scheduled for November 2025.
Makoanyane highlighted the abundance of registered farmers and cows, affirming the project’s supply capacity to meet targets.
“Our regulations will be stringent, necessitating extensive training and support for farmers in cross-breeding and artificial insemination until we achieve grade A and B standards,” Makoanyane emphasised.
He noted the abattoir would adhere to halal and European Union standards, with aspirations to initially cater for the local market before expanding to international exports.
With Phallo Beef Limited’s advent, Mofosi said Lesotho’s red meat industry is poised for transformation, promising economic growth, job creation, and elevated standards in meat production.
