The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Mr Malefetsane Nchaka, has officially launched a new project in which agricultural equipment, imported and exported in and out of Lesotho is searched and inspected at the boarder gates, to protect the country against the spread of new diseases and insects.

Mr Nchaka said the new project is in line with the international standards, which include safe trade, and it is first going to be implemented in Maseru and Maputsoe boarder gates.

He however expressed that they have had challenges, in relation to international best practices and technical regulations, which are a major impediment on the ability of Lesotho producers and traders, to access European Union as well as other foreign markets.

In his speech Mr Nchaka also pointed out that it is from this project, that European Union and SADC have come to their assistance, to overcome constraints in addressing the shortcomings in existing legislative policies and regulatory framework.

The manager in the Agricultural Sciences Department Dr Lefulesele Lebesa, explained that when the agricultural equipment passes through the boarders without being searched, new diseases and insects will spread in the country.