Farmers Field Schools in Leribe Harvesting Sweet Potatoes with Support from APPSA

This week, the Department of Agriculture Research under the Ministry of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Security has been monitoring the harvest of sweet potatoes at Farmers Field Schools (FFS) in Leribe. The harvesting, which began on Monday, is set to conclude today at Taung.

The participating FFS include Boiphihlelo, Nthoe-ntle Mantsoana, and Matlakeng Field Schools, located at Matlakeng and Nkoeng in the Leribe district. These schools are part of an initiative under the Agriculture Productivity Program of Southern Africa (APPSA) for Lesotho Project, which is designed to enhance agricultural practices in the region.

Ms. Mokhants’o Morahanye, Senior Research Officer Extension, spoke with the Agency, explaining that the harvesting follows five months of planting. During this period, the sweet potatoes have fully ripened, ready for harvesting.

The initiative highlights the important role of FFS in improving agricultural practices, particularly in root crops like sweet potatoes, which are crucial for food security in the region. The ongoing support from APPSA aims to build local knowledge, improve crop yields, and promote sustainable farming practices in Lesotho.