By Liapeng Raliengoane
MASERU – The first instalment of the Farmers’ Pitso Exhibition had Basotho farmers, banks and various other business gathered at the Lesotho Agricultural College (LAC), showcasing their products and services as well as networking amongst themselves and the public this past weekend.
The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Thabo Mofosi, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lejone Mpotjoane, also grazed this exhibition with their presence.
One of the exhibition organizers, Tlaba Mochebelele, voiced that the Farmers Pitso Exhibition resulted from an initiative where farmers came together and agreed upon making means to grow the farming sector in the country.
Mochebelele mentioned that some of the goals they achieved included holding the Farmers Pitso Awards which have been happening yearly for the past three years.
“The main reason for this exhibition is for Basotho to come see what the farmers are producing and offer their support, for farmers to connect and network with other farmers, share their journeys and to learn what others are producing that they may need in their farms. Even though climate change impacts are challenging farmers, they are none –the-less still working hard to produce food,” he added.
Dr. Puleng Matebesi, from the Wool and Mohair Promotions Unit, revealed that as farmers they started coming together in a custom of farmers’ exhibition in 2010. That the exhibition is meant to proof that Basotho are producing and thus showcase their produce.
Maluti Fresh Produce Market Representative, Nthako Supu, indicated that the market started working in 2021, they market and sell Basotho’s goods. He said one main success about this market is that it pays farmers on time. He urged farmers to bring their produce to the market.
A farmer, Nthethe Ralipole, who produces potatoes at Metolong expressed gratitude to Farmers Pitso Exhibition as he said it gives them as farmers, exposure so that their products are known.
Soy Coffee Producer, Mosiuoa Mputsoe, disclosed that he grows soya bean and processes it to produce soy coffee. He said he ventured into this type of farming after learning about the health benefits of soya.
Mputsoe pointed out that unemployment is real and with this farm, they are creating employment opportunities. He further expressed gratitude and his wish for Farmers Pitso to grow bigger and better as it is giving farmers exposure.
Also at the exhibition, Finite Magazine Event Coordinator, Moketenyane Mokoena, explained BAM Media products, Finite Magazine, Finite We Television Program and Informative Newspaper. She urged farmers to advertise with both Informative and Finite and to make their work and products known by seeking interviews from Finite We program that airs on the national Television.
Farmers Pitso Exhibition is a platform for Basotho farmers small and big to showcase their products.