By: Mpho Shelile
QUTHING
In order to enhance food security in Lesotho, the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), in collaboration with Ha Koali Village, has successfully harvested over 340 bags of 50KG wheat as part of the ‘Peo Mobung’ project.”
This achievement represents a momentous milestone for both the corporation and the nation, showcasing the potential of local farming to address food insecurity and boost agricultural productivity in Lesotho.
The “Peo Mobung” initiative, which translates to “Seeds in the Ground,” has not only demonstrated the power of strategic collaboration but also positioned LNDC as a driving force in Lesotho’s agricultural development. With the completion of this large-scale wheat harvest, the project has set an inspiring benchmark for the nation’s farming sector, offering a promising glimpse of a future where local food production plays a central role in national sustainability.
The partnership between LNDC and Ha Koali Village has been a catalyst for positive change in the region. Thabo Moleko, the Principal Secretary for Agriculture, stressed how this collaborative effort was designed to benefit the local community, underscoring the importance of fertilization strategies for wheat planting. The Ministry of Agriculture, in conjunction with LNDC, has played an active role in ensuring the successful execution of the project, with the harvesting process already underway.
Molise Ramaili, CEO of LNDC, expressed his pride in the success of “Peo Mobung,” highlighting the long-term vision of self-sufficiency. “It’s time that Basotho begin eating their own produce,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of local food production.
Ramaili also shared that Ha Koali holds a 30% stake in the project, with 34% of the wheat already harvested going to them, marking a significant progress point.
Maseabata Mpobole, a representative of Ha Koali villagers, acknowledged the invaluable role of LNDC in helping to secure food for the community. She passionately conveyed how farming is at the heart of the Basotho way of life, and called for further collaboration to ensure that more projects like “Peo Mobung” are implemented across the country.
With fertile land, abundant water resources, and the determination of the people, Mpobole urged LNDC and its partners to provide the essential tools such as seeds, fertilizers, and farming machinery to drive the nation’s agricultural future.
The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, Hon. Thabo Mofosi, also expressed his excitement about the progress of the project. In his address, he highlighted the need for open-mindedness and innovation in farming practices, stressing the growing importance of adapting to climate change. Mofosi shared that 81% of the harvest is already complete, a marked improvement from previous years, and spoke about the Ministry’s commitment to upgrading agricultural infrastructure, particularly in Ha Koali.
The success of the “Peo Mobung” project has set a strong precedent for Lesotho’s agricultural future. As the country moves forward, this initiative will undoubtedly inspire further investment in local farming, leading to greater food security, improved livelihoods for farmers, and a sustainable agricultural economy.
With continued collaboration between the government, local communities, and organisations like LNDC, Lesotho is on the path to becoming a self-sufficient nation, capable of producing enough food to meet its needs and contribute to the well-being of its people. The message is clear: Basotho are more than capable of growing their own food, and with the right resources and partnerships, the future of agriculture in Lesotho has never been brighter.