FAO Director-General celebrates bicentennial of the Kingdom of Lesotho at Annual Agricultural Market Show

Lesotho — FAO Director-General QU Dongyu attended the Agricultural Market Show 2024 in Maseru, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, as part of the "Food Month" celebration marking the bicentennial of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The annual event served as a significant platform for local farmers and agribusinesses to showcase their products, while also offering stakeholders in the agricultural sector opportunities to exchange ideas, explore innovations, and network with potential partners. The market featured a diverse array of agricultural products, including crops, livestock, and processed foods, with a focus on improving market access for local farmer

In his address, the Director-General highlighted the critical role of the Agricultural Market Show in fostering agricultural innovation and attracting vital investment. He noted that such events have long been a cornerstone for stimulating interest and support for the sector, and emphasized that the show demonstrated the ongoing significance of these gatherings in advancing sectoral development and strengthening public-private partnerships.

A special FAO stand at the market showcased several initiatives active in Lesotho. Among these were the Digital Village project, which aims to bridge the digital divide in rural communities by providing access to technology and digital tools, and the One Country, One Priority Product Program, which seeks to boost the production and marketability of selected high-potential agricultural products, fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods.

The Agricultural Show also provided a vital venue for farmers and agribusinesses to engage with potential customers and clients, offering valuable opportunities for networking, accessing the latest innovations, and receiving advisory services, particularly benefiting smallholder farmers

The 2024 edition of the show was especially significant as it coincided with the bicentennial celebrations of the country, adding a historical dimension to the event and making it a focal point for both the agricultural community and the general public.

In closing, the Director-General expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition for their role in organizing the event and commended the ongoing support from FAO. The Agricultural Show not only celebrated Lesotho’s rich agricultural history but also reflected the country’s continued dedication to advancing the sector through innovation and collaboration.