…donates agricultural inputs to celebrate King Letsie III’s birthday and the bank’s 20th anniversary
Moroke Sekoboto
BUILDING on its initiatives last year, First National Bank (FNB) Lesotho has once again supported local farmers by donating Pannar maize seeds and fertilisers, aiming to improve nutrition and strengthen food security across Lesotho.
The bank provided valuable assistance to 20 members of the Lesotho National Farmers Union (LENAFU) from Maputsoe and Hlotse, who each received 20kg of seeds and 100kg of fertilisers, worth a total of M100 000.
FNB’s Marketing Manager, Lerato Mohale, said the bank was committed to empowering women and young farmers while supporting national nutrition efforts.
“In celebration of His Majesty King Letsie III’s birthday, we are donating seeds and fertilisers in support of His Majesty’s mission to enhance nutrition across Africa,” Mr Mohale said.
Although His Majesty’s 61st birthday was on 17 July, the bank found it fit to commemorate it throughout the year.
Mr Mohale said given Lesotho’s reliance on imported agricultural inputs and subsistence farming, the bank seeks to alleviate some challenges farmers face in accessing affordable resources.
FNB Maputsoe’s Branch Manager, Thunyane Monaheng, added that the bank perceived agriculture as a cornerstone of the country’s economic sustainability.
“Agriculture is the breadbasket of our nation, and we have a patriotic responsibility to contribute to keeping that basket full,” Mr Monaheng stated.
He also said FNB’s collaboration with LENAFU had provided valuable insights into farmers’ needs, guiding the bank to consider policies that support productivity in response to changing climate patterns.
“FNB reaffirms its commitment to supporting local agriculture and the well-being of communities across Lesotho.”
LENAFU Vice President, Daniel Chakela, explained that the selected recipients included five women, five youth farmers, and 10 individuals from vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities and child-headed households.
“As part of His Majesty King Letsie III’s birthday celebrations, LENAFU and FNB presented samples of the seeds to His Majesty, who expressed gratitude for FNB’s contribution, recognising its potential to enhance food production and improve nutrition among the Basotho people,” Mr Chakela said.
Mr Chakela added that King Letsie III praised the partnership between LENAFU and FNB and hoped the seeds and fertilisers would yield meaningful benefits, supporting food security and sustainable agriculture in Lesotho.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Security, Leribe District Extension Officer, Phamotse Maboee, commended LENAFU and FNB for their roles in boosting nutrition.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, so we encourage both subsistence and commercial farming to help alleviate poverty,” Mr Maboee said.
