Lesotho plans to increase fruit production and this will be achieved through the Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion project in collaboration with Lesotho National Farmers’ Association equipping farmers with skills.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Business Development, and Tourism Senior Public Relations Officer, Ms. Mantletse Maile indicated that they intend to train farmers so they can have skills to meet the needs of Basotho by ensuring that they make fruits available to stop importing them and grow the economy of Lesotho.

She also talked about the funds that will be available to respond to the requirements of farmers and therefore increase fruit production in the country. There will also be an event to be held in Hlotse, this event is expected to attract farmers’ representatives.

During the training, they will have a tour of Mahobong Fruit Production Farms where farmers will learn more about the experiences of those who produce fruits.

In 2022, there was a World Bank program aimed at strengthening the country’s private sector through high-value, high-potential value chains like nature-based tourism and horticulture with a focus on deciduous fruit production. Lesotho Apple growers exported about 30 bins of apples; 90,000 0f Top Red and Golden Delicious apples to South Africa which happened to be the product of this program. This program first started in 2006 and has sold locally to Shoprite, Game, and Pick n’ Pay stores. It is usually sponsored by the government of Lesotho and the World Bank.