What You Need to Know
Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Thabo Mofosi has pledged to address the challenges facing Lesotho Dairy Products (LDP), including facility refurbishment and permit issuance. During a recent facility tour, he emphasized the need for a clear document outlining production challenges and effective milk supply chain management. Mofosi plans to meet with stakeholders to resolve the
Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Mr. Thabo Mofosi has pledged to ensure challenges facing the Lesotho Dairy Products (LDP), which include refurbishment of the facility, upgrading of dairy plant and issuance of permits are addressed as soon as possible.
This, he said during his tour at the LDP facility on Wednesday, whose objective was to inspect the milk supply chain in Lesotho.
Mr. Mofosi urged LDP management to draft a clear document which would specify challenges facing the production as well as clarification on effective milk supply chain.
He also pledged to meet with the Lesotho National Dairy Board (LNDB) and other stakeholders to resolve the issue of permits, including tax and levy.
“Lesotho has potential in the dairy business” he stressed, pledging to provide feedback within a month.
LDP Plant Manager Mr. Ts’iu Khoeli said they need urgent intervention regarding the dairy plant upgrade and permits as they are forced to transport milk to Denmar, South Africa for further processing and packaging, indicating that there is shortage of milk at retail stores due to lack of permit.
“We currently have 67 000 litres of milk in our dairy tanks which we might be forced to spill if stored for a long time due to lack of permit,” he added saying LNDB’s terms and conditions regarding permits are difficult to meet.
He also urged the government, through the Ministry, to intervene in provision of public health, training for dairy farmers and coordination.
Meanwhile the dairy plant, which was funded by the government through the Ministry of Finance worth M13 Million and at least M1. 5 Million will be needed for refurbishment of the facility.
Lesotho’s dairy industry has faced numerous challenges over the years, including infrastructure deficits and regulatory hurdles. The government has recognized the potential of the dairy sector to contribute to food security and economic growth, prompting initiatives aimed at improving production and processing capabilities. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing the livelihoods of local farmers and ensuring a stable milk supply for consumers.
The Lesotho National Dairy Board (LNDB) plays a pivotal role in regulating the industry, but strict permit requirements have hindered progress. Recent government investments in dairy infrastructure reflect a commitment to revitalizing the agr
