Quthing, Feb. 11 — At least 18 small stock farmers from various wool-sheds in Quthing district have received merino hybrid rams under a culling exchange programme, an initiative of the Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WMCOP) at an event held at Sheep-Stud on Wednesday this week (yesterday).
The project implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, aims to motivate smallholder farmers to replace low-yielding animals with high-yielding breeding stock.
Each of the beneficiaries exchanged five low-yielding sheep for a ram valued at more than M15,000 00.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture at the event, Director of Marketing Mr. Lekhooe Makhate urged farmers to set clear goals for improving their flocks. He emphasized that the Ministry through WMCOP will support farmers with policy guidance to strengthen breeding practices and enhance wool and mohair quality for economic growth.
Principal Livestock Production Officer Ms. Itumeleng Pule appealed to farmers to ensure proper feeding, supplementation, and veterinary care under the supervision of extension officers and District Veterinary Officer to maximize productivity of the rams.
WMCOP Manager Mr. Habi H. Habi highlighted that the project is designed to improve livestock quality and production, working closely with farmers’ associations to ensure transparency and fair distribution of breeding stock, and services.
Chairperson of the Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association, Mr. Mokoenihi Thinyane, encouraged beneficiaries to commit to improving their small stock breed since achievement of international market standards in wool production requires dedication and effort.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. ’Muso Titi, expressed gratitude for the support, pledging to care for the rams to ensure sustainable breeding and improved wool quality for access to international markets.
The event follows the collection of low-yielding small stock from farmers in December last year.
Ends/NS/tl
