Lesotho Agriculture Moots Formation of a Farmers' Union

Plans to establish a Lesotho Farmers Union are at such an advanced stage that the task force mandated with establishment of the umbrella body has started visiting the country's 10 districts to to encourage farmers to start district unions. 

Chairperson of the interim committee of the Task Force, Mr. Ralichelete Khomonngoe, said government agricultural policies cannot succeed without the cooperation of farmers and that therefore the establishment of a union was a necessary step towards achievement of this goal. The Union would, working in partnership with government, assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security encourage commercial farming in the country, he said.

Speaking while on a visit to Thaba Tseka to encourage that district's farmers to form an umbrella body, Mr. Khomonngoe said the Union would encourage farmers to produce quality products in such quantities to meet consumers' demands. It would also help increase skill levels and liaise with government in solving farmers' problems, including those related to the market, he said.

Unity among farmers would enhance production in the country and thus contribute towards poverty reduction, said another member of the interim committee, Mr. Phamola Nts'ekhe. 

The Thaba Tseka Farmers Association picked an interim committee to look into the establishment of such a farmers union. The seven member committee is mad up of chairperson Mrs. 'Mants'iuoa Ramone of Mashai; the Vice Chair, Mr. Seema Motsotsoana of Litsoetse, Taung; Secretary, Mr. Molikeng Lenkoane of Thaba Tseka;  Vice Secretary, Mrs. 'Mateboho Helele of Linakeng, with Treasurer as Mrs. 'Masepokane Lebona of Mants'onyane and two ordinary members, Mr. Aporone Aporone of Mohlanapeng and Mrs. 'Mapuseletso Lekanyane of Bobete.

Its first meeting will be on June 18 this year.
09 June 2004