By Kefiloe Kajane
The minister of agriculture Likopo Mahase today appealed to the shepherds who received gifts of sheep in Quthing to take as good care of the animals as they do those they were hired to herd.
The recipients are among 56 shepherds in Semonkong, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing and Qacha’s Neck earmarked to receive sheep by the office of the Prime Minister.
Each shepherd was given 10 awes and one ram. After the sheep give birth, the shepherd is expected to give back three sheep to the Poverty Reduction Programme.
He said the initiative is going to be most helpful in fighting rural poverty, adding that the shepherds will now be able to put bread on the table through the initiative, and actually become livestock owners in their own right.
“Our officials are available at your disposal in all districts; if you encounter any problem, do not hesitate to come to us. Even our office in Maseru is also open to you; we are here to support you every step of the way,” he said.
The principal chief of Quthing Seeiso Hlabathe Nkoebe urged the shepherds to take care of their pastures which will make sure that the animals are well fed and in good condition.
He warned that the sheep should not be seen roaming in people’s yards as that is illegal and will be a sign of irresponsibility.
