The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition has met with poultry farmers in Mohale’s Hoek to brief them on the newly approved National Poultry Development Policy and its implementation plan.
Speaking during the meeting, Director of Livestock Services, Keneuoe Lehloenya, said the main objective of the workshop was to share updates on the policy’s progress and equip farmers with information on the poultry sector financing mechanism.
Dr Lehloenya confirmed that the policy has been approved by Cabinet and is already being rolled out. He said both commercial and small-scale farmers will benefit directly through government grants and subsidies, as well as improved access to credit facilities from financial institutions.
District Administrator Officer, Malerato Lekhooa, urged farmers to comply with the policy’s laws and regulations to help grow Lesotho’s poultry industry. She said the policy aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals on zero hunger, poverty reduction, and enhanced production capacity.
Ms Lekhooa further revealed that the ministry will soon introduce agricultural insurance to safeguard farmers and their produce, and encouraged them to make full use of the department of marketing to promote their products and increase sales.
Local poultry farmer, Refiloe Tanka, commended the ministry for the initiative, saying the policy will bring much-needed regulation and standards to the industry. He also urged farmers to unite in order to strengthen their voice and gain greater government support.
