Lineo Mahlomola
The annual Farmers Pitso Awards recognised outstanding entities and personalities within the agriculture sub-sector during a recent function held at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Center in Maseru.
The awards, whose popularity has been steadily growing since their inaugural event two years ago, boasted many partners including Standard Lesotho Bank, Aranda, Mahlakapese Guest Lodge, Mlex Beauty Spa, and new farming publication Seahlolo by Newsday Media, among others.
Among notable winners were the Foreign Affairs Minister and Hololo constituency legislator, Lejone Mpotjoane, who is a well-known farming enthusiast, and the All Basotho Convention (ABC) leader, Nkaku Kabi.
Some of the farming organisations that got recognition included Mabita’s Finest under the category of vegetable production; Amazing Grace K9 Dogs under the dog breeders category; Hansen Farm under the broiler production category; and Maletsunyane Finest Farm under the sheep and goats category.
Thabiso Matšoele, the co-founder of Farmers Pitso Awards indicated that awards are meant to motivate producers to keep doing a great job and also to help them to network with other farmers and prospective clients.
“I must emphasise that the awards giving does not mean we are competing with one another; we are just motivating those who are chosen to keep on doing a great job and celebrate them,†he said.
“We plan to come to you to know where you are, and what you are doing and let people know you, we want us to work together, and help each other to grow,†Matšoele added.
Also present at the event, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Thabo Mofosi congratulated all the winners and encouraged them to carry on.
He also thanked the event organizers for honouring the farmers including herd boys, whom he said played an integral part in developing the country’s economy.
