MASERU — Lesotho Brewing Company (LBC) says it has established a partnership to buy sorghum from local farmers in a move that will help farmers secure a market for their produce.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the LBC, which is an affiliate of SABMiller plc, said it had identified farmers from Leribe, Berea, Maseru and Mafeteng who will grow and sell sorghum to the firm.
The farmers were identified with the help of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
At least five hectares will be planted in each of the four districts, the statement said.
“The growing of a suitable sorghum variety in Lesotho will go a long way towards helping the farmers secure a market for their produce,” Anthony Grendon, LBC managing director, said.
Ntahli Matete, LBC corporate affairs director, said farmers were “very excited” about the project.
“Farmers in the four districts were ready to go to the fields when we delivered seed last week and it is our hope that planting will be completed by end of November,” Matete said.
LBC said sorghum was already grown in other African markets where SABMiller has operations. Clear sorghum beer is already produced in countries such as Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia.
The LBC is an affiliate of SABMiller plc, the second largest brewer in the world.
Its brand portfolio includes PeroniNastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft, Grolsch, Castle Lager, Hansa Pilsener, Carling Black Label, Maluti Premium Lager, Castle Milk Stout, Castle Lite, Redd’s and Sarita.
