Horticulture Out-grower Scheme is a sub-component under
component 2 (Supporting Economic Diversification) of Private
Sector Competitiveness Project (PSCP). The implementing
Agency for this sub-component is Ministry of Agriculture and
Food Security. Three farmers have been identified to pilot
this project; one farmer is from Thuathe in Berea District
while the other two are from Mahobong and Qoqolosing in
Leribe District. The three farmers are referred to as
“targeted farmers”. They have planted various types of fruit
trees with the support of PSCP for the purpose of
diversifying economic activities of the country through
commercial farming.
Further support to be provided to these farmers will include
establishment of linkages with the external market.
Activities of this sub-component will be rolled out to other
parts of the country if the pilots are successful. To date a
number of achievements have been made to enhance effective
participation of these targeted farmers in the pilot
projects. Two field training courses including introductory
training on chemical spraying and farm management (site
selection, basic tree husbandry and soil management) were
delivered during the second quarter of 2008. Disease and
pest identification; and chemical application and handling
were also covered during this training.
Irrigation equipment has been procured and installed in
three pilot projects. Netting works have been completed in
Thuathe and Mahobong while work in Qoqolosing will commence
before end of October, 2008. The procurement process to
purchase 3.5 tons of maize for livelihood support to the
targeted farmers has been completed and was delivered during
the week ending 12th September, 2008. Blue Book to guide
farmers on overall farm management is available in English
version, and the process is underway to translate this book
into Sesotho. Translation work in this regard is envisaged
to be completed by Mid. October, 2008. Watch this space as
we continue to give you more news about Horticulture
Out-growers Scheme. |
