Ministry of Agriculture Fully Spends Annual Budget to Boost Food Production

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition says it has already utilized all the funds allocated to it by the government for the current financial year in efforts to boost national food production.

Minister Thabo Mofosi said the ministry’s expenditure was directed towards supporting farmers and improving agricultural productivity across the country.

He explained that the increased public interest in farming followed Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane’s call for Basotho to focus more on agriculture and invest in the sector. However, Mofosi noted that national production levels remain below potential, as many farmers still struggle to produce marketable goods.

According to the minister, the funds were mainly used to capacitate farmers, enabling them to improve their operations and prepare for the upcoming planting season. He added that the ministry has since received an additional budget allocation to assist farmers ready to begin planting.

Mr. Mofosi also revealed that there will be a temporary halt in the distribution of agricultural inputs while the ministry prepares to implement the extended budget, which is expected to fill existing financial gaps and further strengthen food production initiatives.