Lesotho’s Private Sector Competitiveness and Economic Diversification (PSC) Project has produced the first, 1st Grade Apples in the country.

The apples are part of a horticulture pilot project that is intended to help identify fruits that can be commercially produced in Lesotho for domestic consumption and export. The pilot project is generating valuable data that will inform the program roll-out scheduled to start during the second half of 2010. The best performing varieties will be used in the roll-out.

In the face of declining incomes from import duties and the liberalisation of markets, Lesotho’s minister of Finance, Dr. Timothy Thahane, has called for aggressive belt-tightening, and increased private sector participation in local production.

Co-funded by the World Bank and the Government of Lesotho, the PSC Project attempts to answer the call to diversify the country’s economy through support to sectors with highest potential for growth and exports such as agriculture. The project is also creating an enabling business environment for investment, through regulatory and administrative reforms that are intended to reduce the cost and time of doing business in the country.

The PSC has already engaged Denmar Estates, an experienced commercial farming firm from neighbouring South Africa for technical support and, to facilitate linkages with international markets.

Denmar’s Denton Osler says although the final assessment will be done in winter 2010, the quality of the apples is already exceptionally good. “We will have a much better idea next year, but we are very excited. The colour and taste of the fruit are very encouraging, and Lesotho has fantastic elevation, good soil and plenty of water.” says Mr. Osler.
Members of the Press (right) who visited one of the farms at Thuathe in Berea, could not resist the urge to please their palettes with the abundance of “red” at the weekend. None could hide their disbelief at the sight, unusual in Lesotho.

The orchards are protected by hail netting that prevents storms from destroying the trees and their produce, as well as fencing to prevent domestic animals that roam free, from destroying the trees.

More than ten thousand apple, cherry, apricot and peach trees were planted in 2007. Denmar says Lesotho fruits are ripening earlier than other countries in the southern hemisphere, and this will inform the country’s roll-out and marketing strategies now being finalised.
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