Milk Producers Organisation Pledges Support for Lesotho’s Dairy Sector under NSDP II Extension

As the Government of Lesotho strengthens its focus on agriculture through the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP II) review extension, the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) of South Africa has pledged its support to boost the country’s dairy sector. The partnership aims to expand milk production, improve livestock management, and strengthen Lesotho’s position in the regional dairy value chain.

Speaking with the Agency, Mr. Ronald Rapholo of the MPO commended Lesotho’s agricultural potential and its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in milk production. He emphasized that Lesotho has the capacity not only to meet domestic demand but also to export milk and dairy products to international markets. In solidarity with the Lesotho National Dairy Board, the MPO has committed to supporting capacity-building initiatives and technical cooperation to enhance the country’s dairy production systems.

Rapholo highlighted several key areas requiring investment and improvement. He underscored the importance of cattle breeding and selection to ensure higher-yielding dairy herds. He also stressed the need for improved feeding and nutrition practices to increase milk output and maintain healthy livestock. Disease management, farm record-keeping, and modern farming practices were also identified as critical components in building a sustainable and profitable dairy industry.

The collaboration between MPO and Lesotho’s dairy sector aligns with the broader goals of the NSDP II, which prioritizes agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, employment creation, and poverty reduction. Strengthening the dairy industry will help increase rural incomes, improve food security, and create value-added opportunities across the agricultural supply chain.

With Lesotho’s strategic focus on transforming agriculture into a commercially viable sector, the partnership with the Milk Producers Organisation offers both technical expertise and market opportunities. The initiative marks a significant step toward revitalizing the dairy sector and positioning Lesotho as a competitive player in regional and global dairy production.

The government’s commitment, combined with the MPO’s support, signals a promising future for Lesotho’s dairy farmers. By improving breeding practices, investing in animal health, and building local production capacity, the country can achieve long-term sustainability and contribute meaningfully to the regional agricultural economy.