LESOTHO GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED SEEDS AND FERTILIZERS BY 70%-80% TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.

 The sale of farming inputs for winter cropping has commenced countrywide, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition has announced.

Speaking in an interview with the Agency, the Ministry’s Chief Information Officer, Mr. Lereko Masupha, said seeds and fertilizers have been subsidized by 70 percent and 80 percent respectively to assist farmers in boosting agricultural production.

He said the subsidised inputs have already been distributed to all districts and are now available for purchase by farmers preparing for winter cropping.

Mr. Masupha, however, noted that the ministry experienced delays in securing wheat seed due to public procurement procedures. He said the challenge has since been resolved and farmers will be informed once the wheat seed becomes available.

He emphasised that the farming inputs are strictly intended for farmers who will engage in winter cropping and not for those intending to store them for future use.

According to Mr. Masupha, farmers wishing to purchase the subsidised inputs are required to produce a valid national identity card and a recommendation letter from an agricultural extension officer, among other requirements.

He further explained that the quantity of fertiliser allocated to each farmer will depend on the size of land prepared for winter cropping.

Mr. Masupha appealed to farmers with neighbouring fields to practise block farming, saying the approach can help reduce production and harvesting costs while improving efficiency.

The Agency has also learnt that the sale of farming inputs remains under the administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition and has not yet been transferred to the private sector as previously indicated.

Meanwhile, the ministry is yet to release the report on the 2025/26 summer cropping yield.