Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Chief Information Officer Mr. Lereko Masupha says Sale of farming inputs, which includes seeds and fertilisers is running smoothly countrywide.

Mr. Masupha said seeds and fertilisers are available at stores based in the Ministry’s premises across the country and when purchasing them, farmers are expected to present a letter from the resource centre and should be confirmed by the Chief, Councillor and the Extension Officer.

However, he said the farming inputs arrive in batches and this is a challenge as demand remains high. He also indicated that upon their arrival in the country, they are transported to the mountainous districts as summer cropping in those areas begins earlier, saying they are transported in the lowlands thereafter.

On the other hand, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Mr. Thabo Mofosi clarified that seeds are those which are protected against climate change as meteorologists have anticipated drought this year, urging farmers not to be discouraged by this and engage in summer cropping as this is just a prediction.

He emphasised that to ensure the safety of farming inputs, the Ministry works cooperatively with members of the Lesotho Defence Force once they cross the border into the country and at stores where they will be kept, adding that once they arrive in the districts, district agricultural officers report the quantity and purchase of farming inputs to the Ministry’s headquarters.