Lesotho Farmers Urged to Adopt Research-Driven Strategies for Improved Crop Resilience

Mafeteng farmer Paballo Paneng has emphasized the need for Lesotho’s farmers to adopt research-driven agricultural strategies to improve crop resilience and yields. He believes that embracing innovative farming techniques could help combat food insecurity, which has been worsened by climate variations in the country.

Paneng pointed out that Lesotho has long relied on subsistence farming, a practice that could greatly benefit from modern agricultural advancements. He highlighted innovations emerging from the China-Pakistan collaboration, which integrates molecular breeding and bioinformatics, as a potential game-changer for Lesotho’s agricultural sector.

He further explained that as Pakistani researchers continue to work with Chinese institutions, they establish a strong foundation for cross-border knowledge exchange. This partnership has significantly boosted agricultural productivity and food security in Pakistan while also offering valuable lessons for countries like Lesotho facing similar challenges.

The ongoing cooperation between China and Pakistan has led to major developments in rice and sugarcane research. While these advancements are primarily beneficial for Pakistan, Paneng believes they could also provide solutions for Lesotho, where farmers struggle with low yields and unpredictable weather patterns. He sees this partnership as a model for how transformative agricultural strategies can be shared across borders to uplift food security in Africa.

By leveraging such innovations, Paneng urges local farmers and policymakers to explore new methods that enhance crop production and sustainability, ensuring a more secure future for Lesotho’s agriculture.