Letsatsi Selikoe
FARMERS in Berea are expected to help bridge the gap in the country’s poultry products demand after undergoing extensive training last week.
Lesotho currently imports a significant portion of its poultry products from South Africa, but when illnesses such as Avian flu strike that country, the local market suffers.
To address this issue and promote local production, poultry experts from TKM Agricultural Solutions held a weeklong training workshop to equip both small-scale and large-scale farmers with essential skills in poultry management.
The event was held at the Thakaneng Youth Resource Centre in Teyateyaneng, Berea, from 26 to 31 August 2024, and attracted 64 dedicated poultry farmers from the region.
In closing the seminar, the TKM Agricultural Solutions’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Malefane Tšiu, asserted the need for farmers to apply their newly acquired knowledge to meet the burgeoning demand for quality poultry products in the market.
“Our primary focus in conducting this workshop was to equip farmers with essential techniques for rearing both layers and broilers,” said Mr Tšiu.
“We also covered practical skills, including slaughtering methods, and comprehensive management techniques to guide farmers from the chick stage all the way to market readiness.
“As the poultry industry continues to grow, TKM Agricultural Solutions remains committed to supporting farmers through ongoing training and resources. The organisation hopes that the newly empowered farmers will lead the charge in boosting the local poultry supply chain, benefiting both their businesses and the wider community.”
The intensive training program addressed critical aspects of poultry farming, including site selection, housing requirements, and disease control.
It also touched on the importance of maintaining accurate records and provided valuable insights on what factors to consider before entering the market.
Mr Tšiu also said effective management of feeding programs could significantly enhance productivity and sustainability in poultry farming.
Farmers who participated in the workshop expressed gratitude for the knowledge shared, which they said would not only improve their individual practices but also uplift the community’s overall agricultural standards.
“This training has opened our eyes to the numerous opportunities that exist in poultry farming. With the right skills and knowledge, we are now better positioned to supply quality products that meet market demands,” said ‘Maneo Motabola, one of the participants.
