MASERU — Dairy farmers in Lesotho have received partial relief with payments for July from Lesotho Dairy Products (LDP), but their August funds remain delayed.

Apparently, Lesotho Dairy Products (LDP) has been experiencing financial difficulties following termination of contract with Denmar as distributor.

This was said by Dairy Farmers' Coordinator Mr. Phatsima Phatsima in an interview on Sunday where he noted that finally received payments for July after weeks of public outcry.

However, he said the August payment is now nearly seven days late as  payments for the previous month were due on September 7th and they still have not received such.

He indicated that the delay causes heavy stress for local agricultural workers saying the cash shortage hurts livestock herders, feed stores and the health of the dairy cattle.

Earlier, LDP Board member Mr. Tseko Bohloa had confirmed that the financial crisis stems from the termination of the distribution contract with Denmar, the primary distributor for the dairy's products.

Commenting on the way forward following termination of Denmar's contract, Mr. Bohloa had indicated that since Denmar was the middle man, LDP is now going to make distributions to retailers and supermarkets within the country.

Lesotho Dairy Products (LDP) collects, processes and markets raw cow's milk from local dairy farmers across Lesotho.

It also buys raw liquid milk from local farmers and associations across various districts through designated collection centers.