01/06/2026
Lesotho celebrates International Day of Potato
Limpho Petlane
Maseru
Lesotho’s potato industry is increasingly being viewed as a strategic sector capable of
improving food security, creating jobs and driving agro-industrial growth.
During the second commemoration of the International Day of Potato held under the theme “Where Potatoes Grow, Livelihoods Flourish,” Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane said the growth of the sector aligns closely with the country’s national development priorities.
He described agriculture as a key pillar for economic growth, employment creation and
poverty reduction, adding that the National Strategic Development Plan II promotes
commercialisation, private sector participation and climate-smart production systems as part of broader economic transformation efforts.
Mochoboroane said the ministry continues to implement the National Agricultural Investment Plan, which focuses on improving productivity, mechanisation, agro-processing and strengthening agricultural value chains. He further highlighted Lesotho’s participation in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme under the African Union as areflection of the country’s commitment to sustainable agricultural growth and increased investment in the sector.
With support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and
other development partners, Lesotho has also undertaken a comprehensive value chain analysis aimed at identifying opportunities and addressing challenges affecting the industry.
Although demand for potatoes continues to rise, local production remains significantly below national requirements. Lesotho currently requires about 132,000 metric tonnes annually, while local production averages approximately 13,200 metric tonnes, meeting only 10% of demand.
Government now aims to increase production by 10 % annually over the next five years as part of efforts to gradually reduce dependence on imports and strengthen local food systems.
Mochoboroane also identified the shortage of quality seed as one of the major obstacles
affecting farmers. While Lesotho has historically relied on imported seed, efforts are underway to establish a sustainable local seed production system through collaboration with international partners.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry ofAgriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Dr. Khothatso Ts’ooana, stressed that reducing imports will require stronger cooperation among government, farmers, development partners and private sector players.
He said expanding production has the potential to improve livelihoods, create jobs and
contribute meaningfully to national food security and economic growth.
Secretary General of the Potato Lesotho Association, Sekila Molapo, also highlighted the
importance of potato farming in supporting household incomes and employment for many
Basotho families.
At the same time, he pointed to ongoing challenges facing farmers, including climate
change, limited storage facilities, poor transport infrastructure and inadequate business
management skills.
Molapo called for improved road infrastructure and more farmer training programmes
conducted in local languages to ensure wider understanding and participation within the
sector.
The commemoration also featured discussions on potato trends and opportunities across Africa, alongside exhibitions showcasing potato-based foods and value-added products, reflecting growing interest in the sector’s contribution to Lesotho’s agricultural and economic future.
