FOLLOWING THE FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE OUTBREAK, LESOTHO WOOL AND MOHAIR STAKEHOLDERS ARE REQUIRED TO ADHERE TO NEW BIOSECURITY MEASURES TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE IN THE GLOBAL MOHAIR INDUSTRY.

The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Mr Selibe Mochoboroane, urged wool and mohair brokers, traders and farmers to comply with the new biosecurity protocols introduced following the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.

Mr Mochoboroane made the call and addressed brokers and traders after touring the Bophelo Wool and Mohair and Rosehip heating facilities in Mohale’s Hoek.

He said although China has lifted the temporary restrictions it imposed on imports of Lesotho’s wool and mohair following the FMD outbreak, all stakeholders must continue to comply with the agreed biosecurity measures to protect the market.

The Minister said he is aware that there are still some gaps that need to be addressed, but commended Bophelo Wool and Mohair and its partner, OVK Mohair Brokers, for the progress made in preparing the facilities.

Mr Mochoboroane said Lesotho’s animal health status changed after Prime Minister Mr Sam Matekane declared FMD a national disaster, resulting in international buyers suspending purchases of the country’s wool and mohair.

He said the government had to engage with buyers and authorities in the People’s Republic of China to restore market access.

Mr Mochoboroane said he recently met buyers in Port Elizabeth before holding discussions with the Government of China on the new trading arrangements between the two countries.

He added that consultations with buyers, brokers and farmers are continuing to ensure that trade resumes smoothly under the new conditions.

He urged Bophelo Wool and Mohair and OVK Mohair Brokers to continue complying with the conditions attached to their operating licences.

Meanwhile, the Senior Veterinary Officer in the Department of Veterinary Public Health, Dr Pabolo Nonyane, said the Ministry established heat treatment facilities after the FMD outbreak to meet the new export requirements agreed with China.

He explained that Lesotho previously did not have such facilities, but they became necessary after the outbreak as part of efforts to eliminate any risk of transmitting the FMD virus through wool and mohair exports.

Dr Nonyane said the Ministry adopted heat treatment at 37 degrees Celsius because it inactivates the virus within eight days, making it the most practical option for ensuring farmers receive payment without unnecessary delays.

He said Bophelo Wool and Mohair informed the Ministry that it had a Rosehip heating facility suitable for treating wool and mohair. He added that the company registered the facility with the Ministry’s Marketing Department and has adequate storage capacity.

Dr Nonyane said both Bophelo Wool and Mohair and OVK Mohair Brokers have since been guided on the biosecurity requirements and are now ready to be issued with the necessary certification.

Bophelo Wool and Mohair Compliance Manager, Mr Atang ‘Mantutle, said the partnership with OVK Mohair Brokers, which has an established presence in the global mohair industry, will strengthen Lesotho’s wool and mohair sector.

He acknowledged the shortcomings identified during the Minister’s visit and said they will be addressed within two weeks.

He also thanked the Ministry for providing technical support throughout the process.

Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]