Leribe, June 19 – About 51 farmers registered with the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) have started delivering their grain produce to the Food Management Unit (FMU), with deliveries having commenced on Wednesday.

The grain collection exercise is expected to conclude at the end of June.

In an interview with the Agency, Leribe District Disaster Manager, Ms. Khopotso Rakolobe, said the DMA periodically implements grain procurement initiatives aimed at purchasing produce from local farmers to strengthen national food security while also providing economic opportunities for farmers.

She said a total of 55 farmers from the constituencies of Tsikoane, Leribe, Mahobong, Peka, Thaba Phatšoa, Moselinyane, Mphosong and Maputsoe were registered for the programme in the district.

Ms. Rakolobe indicated that the DMA is purchasing grain packed in 50-kilogram bags at the following rates: white maize at M180 per bag, yellow maize at M175, wheat at M285, sorghum at M450 and beans at M1,400.

She noted that grain purchases are guided by crop forecasts as well as recommendations from the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee (LVAC).

According to Ms. Rakolobe, each farmer is allowed to sell a maximum of 300 bags, with all grain required to be packaged in standard 50-kilogram bags.

She explained that, in an effort to prevent the resale of imported grain and ensure that local farmers benefit from the initiative, the DMA requires farmers to register in advance with their respective District Disaster Management Authorities during designated registration periods.

In addition, farmers must provide proof of origin from their local chiefs confirming that the produce was grown locally, with verification by agricultural extension officers.

She further stated that all grain must be packed in new 50-kilogram grain bags that have not previously been used for fertilisers or animal feed. The grain must also be treated with aluminium phosphide tablets at least seven days before the delivery date.

The Agency has learned that since the commencement of deliveries on June 17, more than 300 bags of grain have already been received at the FMU storage facility.