Africa-Press – Lesotho. Post the joined investigations on the issue of unpaid and half-paid farmers, the government of Lesotho has resorted to pay merino and angora farmers. Investigations were
conducted through the help of the banks and shed companies as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Reflecting on the inspection lists, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Hon.
Tefo Mapesela said the list from 2018 and 2019, which led to the decision to prohibit selling of wool and mohair abroad, was indeed valid. He said the Prime Minister
(PM) Dr. Moeketsi Majoro and his Deputy, Mathibeli Mokhothu have decided to pay
farmers whose payments were pending in 2018 to 2019 and exclude the list for 2020 since the government had then permitted every farmer to export wool and
mohair. He stated that the PM and his Deputy have authorised the government to pay off the amount owed to the farmers and it will push brokers to settle the
remaining balances. Mapesela highlighted that a large part Basotho population is fed through earnings in farming, particularly selling of wool and mohair.
For his part, the Minister of Small Businesses Development, Cooperatives and Marketing Hon. Thesele ‘Maseribane said his ministry cooperates with many sectors of business across ministries
and that will aid in growing the economy of the nation. He said working independently as a ministry will only delay the progress and growth of the country.
He also stated that the Ministry of Finance needs to review its services since small business owners cry of lack of support in financing. Addressing other stakeholders, ‘Maseribane
mentioned that there are resources such as the machinery for cleaning wool and mohair which has been placed in Qacha’s Neck, saying it ought to benefit the
country. On other deliberations, Mokhothu said the government is committed to resolve the complications of farmers in Maseru, Butha-Buthe, Quthing and Qacha’s Neck.
He added that government wishes to improve the production of merino and angora sheep, also to invest in that department since it has proven to have potential to compete with water and the production of diamonds in the country.
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