04/12/2025
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE HIGHLIGHTS PROGRESS IN AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES SECTOR
The Minister of Agriculture, Honorable Thabo. Mofosi, has announced significant progress in the development of the aquaculture and fisheries sector in Lesotho.
In a speech delivered yesterday, the Minister highlighted the sector's history, noting that it was initially developed to cater to the interests of colonial officials rather than as part of the country's agricultural agenda.
"For many years, this sector played only a marginal role in our national economy," the Minister said. "However, with the support of FAO and other stakeholders, we have made significant strides in recognizing the potential of aquaculture and fisheries to contribute to job creation, investment, and inclusive growth."
The Minister noted that Lesotho is now exporting significant volumes of trout to international markets, thanks to private sector investments in the Katse Dam.
"We intend to leverage developments in the water sector to foster a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive aquaculture industry," the Minister said. "We are committed to creating an enabling environment for small-scale players, especially in warm-water aquaculture in the lowlands."
The Minister expressed gratitude to FAO for providing critical decision-support information and a platform for policy dialogue, which has enabled the development of policy frameworks that mark a decisive shift from the colonial legacy.
The policy frameworks include an Aquaculture and Fisheries Policy, an Aquaculture Strategy, an Aquatic Animal Health Strategy, and an aquaculture training curriculum.
"We now have the instruments in place to guide us in updating our legal and institutional frameworks to align with our national vision for prosperity," the Minister said.
The Minister thanked everyone who contributed to the policy process, including the FAO team and the Department of Livestock Services.
