Nestled among the maize fields of Lesotho’s Berea district is the inspiring story of Mokhethi Molefi, a farmer whose dedication to agriculture has helped position him as a household name in the country’s seed production industry. Mokhethi’s journey began in 1986 when, as a secondary school student, he discovered his passion for farming. Over nearly four decades, he has evolved from a subsistence farmer to a leading producer of ZM523 seed—a drought-tolerant variety vital for food security in Lesotho.
“For me, farming is not just a passion. It is a way of life passed down from my forebears, a legacy I hope to pass on to my children,” Mokhethi says. His commitment to agriculture goes beyond his personal ambitions. “The need for food will never end, and it’s important that we localize food production to reduce unnecessary food imports and keep our money in the country,” he adds.
Mokhethi’s experience and expertise make him a critical player in addressing Lesotho’s food insecurity. His journey took a pivotal turn in 2007 when officers from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Research visited him. The visit marked the beginning of his role in the country’s push for local seed production, a critical step as climate change threatened food security with erratic weather patterns.
Through training in seed production techniques, Mokhethi embraced the challenge of becoming one of Lesotho’s certified seed producers. His work focuses on ZM523, a maize variety developed for drought-prone environments. Producing high-quality seeds, however, requires more than just agricultural know-how; it demands rigorous planning, expertise, and commitment.
The Detailed Process of Seed Production
which is not required for seed development
Seed production begins with selecting the right land. The field used for seed production must be isolated from other maize fields to avoid cross-contamination. Mokhethi ensures that his seed-producing field is planted at least 28 days ahead of neighbouring fields within a 400-meter radius, effectively creating an “isolation wall” that prevents cross-pollination with other maize varieties.
Pollination is a critical phase, carefully monitored to ensure that the pollen from male plants fertilizes the female plants in a controlled manner. Maintaining the genetic purity of the ZM523 seeds requires constant vigilance. Throughout the growing season, Mokhethi regularly inspects his fields for pests, diseases, and the effects of Lesotho’s unpredictable climate.
During the harvest, only the best maize cobs are selected for seed production. The cobs are then shelled manually to avoid damaging the seeds, and the kernels are meticulously cleaned to remove any debris or damaged seeds. The seeds are graded based on size, weight, and purity, and only the highest-quality seeds are chemically treated for pests and disease before being packaged for sale. Seeds that don’t meet the strict quality standards are separated for food use.
Mokhethi’s dedication to this labor-intensive process underscores the importance of discipline and precision in seed production. “Seed production is a profitable business, but it requires a lot of discipline,” he says. His hard work has enabled him to build a thriving farming, complete with farming implements and machinery that make each harvest more efficient. Moreover, his success has strengthened relationships with neighbouring farmers, as they benefit from using the same high-quality seeds.
Mokhethi credits these relationships with providing additional security for his crops. “I have not had to deal with issues like crop theft or arson because of the good relationships I’ve built with my neighbours and even the herd-boys, who help protect my fields,” he explains. By providing food and fodder to his community, Mokhethi fosters goodwill and a collective commitment to food security.
Lesotho’s Seed Production, Challenges and Successes.
’Marankoe Selikane, Seed Development Unit Lead in the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition
Seed production in Lesotho has seen significant progress, yet it remains a complex and resource-intensive endeavour. According to ’Marankoe Selikane, Seed Development Unit Lead in the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, Lesotho’s formal seed production journey only gained traction in 2007. This turning point came when the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stepped in to fund the country’s seed development initiative.
Seed production requires meticulous planning and collaboration from the start,” says Selikane. “Choosing the right seed and location is a crucial and expensive task, as the quality of the seed directly depends on the environment in which it’s grown.” FAO’s support was instrumental in getting Lesotho’s seed program off the ground, providing financial backing and continuous technical assistance to farmers.
Rather than searching for farmers first, the focus was on identifying ideal locations for seed development. Once suitable areas were found, the surrounding farmers were trained in seed production techniques, ensuring they could meet the rigorous demands of seed development.
Lesotho also partners with external organizations to acquire breeder seeds. The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) supplies beans breeder seeds, while the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) provides maize breeder seeds.
“We still lack the capacity to produce our own breeder seeds, but there is hope on the horizon,” Selikane adds. Several newly trained Basotho breeders have returned to the country, and breeders working under the Agricultural Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA) are expected to begin local seed production soon.
The Department of Agricultural Research has the structure in place to support seed development from breeding to distribution. A key function within the DAR is the Plant Genetic Resources unit, which has collected locally produced seeds from across Lesotho, particularly from the challenging mountainous regions. These seeds are resilient to the country’s climate and will serve as the foundation for developing new, locally adapted seed varieties.
‘Mono Thebe, also of the DAR, underscores the difficulties and importance of seed production. “When we first started localizing seed production, we worked with over 160 farmers across the country. However, many dropped out due to the challenges involved, and now only three farmers—Mokhethi Molefi included—are producing seeds at the basic seed production level.”
Among the varieties these farmers produce is the ZM523 maize, a vital crop for Lesotho. Locally produced seeds like ZM523 are better suited to the country’s climatic conditions, particularly drought, which makes them essential for farmers, especially in dry regions. The DAR continues to encourage farmers to purchase locally produced seeds, emphasizing their resilience and reliability.
Seed production, though challenging, brings significant benefits. Molefi’s production of ZM523 maize contributes directly to improving food security in Lesotho. The drought-resistant qualities of the seed ensure more consistent yields for farmers in arid areas, even during years of low rainfall.
Beyond food security, seed production has opened economic opportunities for farmers like Molefi. As demand for high-quality seeds grows locally and regionally, Molefi has been able to increase his income and expand his farming operations. His reputation as a certified seed producer has earned him the respect of his peers, and he now mentors aspiring farmers in Berea, sharing his expertise and experience with the next generation.
“I never thought I’d be flying on a plane, all because of seed production,” Molefi says, referring to a recent conference he attended as a regional expert in seed production. His journey from a young boy with a passion for farming to a leading figure in seed production exemplifies the power of hard work, learning, and resilience.
As Lesotho continues to confront climate change, the work of seed producers like Molefi becomes even more critical. The country’s ability to produce its own high-quality seeds will not only help combat food insecurity but also promote economic growth and agricultural self-reliance. Efforts are underway to ensure that Lesotho can become self-sufficient in seed production, from breeding to harvesting, creating a brighter future for its farmers and its people.
The Importance of Seed Production in Lesotho’s Future
As Lesotho continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, the work of seed producers like Mokhethi becomes even more vital. The ZM523 maize variety is just one example of how targeted agricultural innovation can make a difference in the lives of thousands of farmers. Mokhethi’s journey highlights the importance of locally produced seeds in ensuring food security and supporting sustainable farming practices in the face of environmental challenges.
Historically, seed production in Lesotho has been informal, with farmers saving seeds from previous harvests. However, the low quality of these seeds has contributed to low productivity. In recent decades, the government, in collaboration with international partners, has focused on improving seed quality through certified seed programs. These programs have introduced improved seed varieties that are more resistant to drought and pests, helping farmers cope with the increasing variability of Lesotho’s climate. Mokhethi’s work is a beacon of hope for the future of food security in Lesotho. His dedication to producing high-quality seeds is helping to ensure that farmers across the country have access to the resources they need to thrive, even in the face of changing environmental conditions. By localizing seed production, Mokhethi and others like him are contributing to a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector, offering a ray of hope for Lesotho’s future.
Transforming Food Security in Lesotho | Mokhethi Molefi’s Inspiring Journey
Watch the inspiring journey of Mokhethi Molefi, a dedicated farmer from Lesotho’s Berea district, whose passion for agriculture has made him a leading figure in seed production. Starting as a subsistence farmer in 1986, Mokhethi has grown to become one of the country’s top producers of ZM523 maize seed—a drought-tolerant variety that is crucial for ensuring food security in Lesotho.
