Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane highlighted the importance of transforming and commercialising agriculture in the country during his closing remarks at the National Food Systems Dialogue on Tuesday.
The event, part of the broader celebrations of 200 years of Basotho’s existence as a nation, marked August as Food and Agriculture Month in Lesotho.
Addressing a distinguished audience, including His Majesty King Letsie III, government officials, and international dignitaries, Matekane underscored the critical need to address the bottlenecks that hinder high agricultural production and productivity in the country.
The international dignitaries included Dr. Shu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Valerie Guarnieri, Assistant Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Associate Vice-President for Programme Management, Donal Brown.
“We are all witnesses that these bottlenecks impede high production and productivity, and prevent diversification and commercialisation of agriculture for our country to feed her own people and to become the food basket of Africa,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed optimism that the dialogue would lead to a new policy direction and legal frameworks to support the smooth implementation of agricultural programs across Lesotho.
He stressed the importance of overcoming challenges to enhance production, diversify crops, and commercialise agriculture, ultimately enabling Lesotho to feed its population and aspire to become the “food basket of Africa.”
“It is critical that we commercialize our agriculture,” he asserted, expressing optimism that the discussions would lead to a positive transformation in the country’s agricultural policies and legal frameworks.
He emphasised the need for a strategic focus on financing, investment, and climate change mitigation to support the growth of commercial agriculture in Lesotho.
Prime Minister Matekane also underscored the significance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving these goals.
“I cannot overemphasise the importance of collaborations and partnerships in all that we are trying to achieve,” he said, expressing hope that the dialogue had strengthened the alignment among all partners.
In a notable announcement, the Prime Minister addressed the need for improved irrigation infrastructure, specifically mentioning that the only area currently equipped with a pivot irrigation system is Mantšonyane.
However, he assured the attendees that plans were underway to extend such infrastructure to the lowland fields, which would significantly boost agricultural productivity.
As he formally closed the dialogue, Prime Minister Matekane expressed his confidence that the discussions held during the event would lead to meaningful progress in transforming Lesotho’s agricultural sector.
He wished the guests safe travels as they return to their respective countries.
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