Tsitsi Matope
MASERU — A combination of timely rains, efficient mechanised agricultural support and adequate inputs are critical for the success of the current cropping season, says the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Speaking to the Sunday Express earlier in the week, the Ministry’s Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS), Liteboho Mofubetsoana, said although they were upbeat about the inputs’ logistical preparations “we worry that rains might come too late hence delay planting”.
The Lesotho Meteorological Services last month projected a normal summer rainfall season for the bulk of the country but added significant rains were likely to come only next month (November). “There would be problems if the rain comes late and in a much heavier form without breaking to allow agricultural operations,” Mofubetsoana said.
“This would then mean farmers might suffer water-logging in some areas and chances would also be that, they might have to wait too long before they could go back to the fields.” The DPS further explained that the situation was already bad following a long dry spell between February and March “which extended into the winter season”.
While irrigation programmes might provide solutions to recurring droughts in Lesotho, agricultural production is heavily dependent on natural rain. Meanwhile, Mofubetsoana said logistics to ensure availability of agriculture inputs and mechanised support “are at an advanced stage”. “We have one fertiliser supplier working at ensuring we have enough stocks and we can also engage the second contractor if need arises,” Mofubetsoana said.
He added: “In terms of maize seeds, we temporarily closed the Ha-Foso retail-outlet for stock taking last week and operations will probably resume before the end of this week.” According to the agric DPS, plans were already in motion to open two more outlets and warehouses in the northern districts such as Leribe and Butha Buthe and those in the southern region like Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek. “This would help to decongest Maseru and reduce the collection hustles traders face every year,” Mofubetsoana said.
The agriculture ministry, Mofubetsoana added, had also streamlined the claim processes to reduce the waiting period of those who would have “provided mechanised services to farmers”. “Although we still need to authenticate the claims, we have introduced a new and shorter system that would ensure service providers are not discouraged from continuing to provide their much needed support,” Mofubetsoana said.