PRIME Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro has appeal to Basotho to consider producing their products in large scale as it is essential in building tangible businesses.

This, he said on Friday when touring the Thakadu Poultry farm located in Thaba-Phatšoa, Leribe.

The farm which is owned by Bishop David Ramela has about 9 000 chickens and produces about 8 640 eggs per day.
“This is the day to celebrate large scale production and market first concepts which Bishop Ramela has applied in implementing the Thakadu Poultry farm,” Dr Majoro said.
He noted that through Bishop Ramela’s expertise, Basotho should learn that large scale production is essential in building tangible business.

In addition, he said most Basotho engage in small scale production and this limits them in expanding their businesses as they are not able to reach the expected target which is needed by the large supermarkets willing to buy from them.
Referring to market first concept, the Prime Minister said before one gets into business, they should first consider the market, especially how much products will be produced, the kind of products and their market prices.

This he said will help in selling their products in time, without keeping them longer than it is necessary.

He said engaging in market first concept will help cover the expenses which were endured during the production process.
He said it was high time the gravel road to Mahobong was maintained as t will now be carrying fragile items.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Small Business Development, Cooperatives and Marketing, Chief Thesele ’Maseribane said ministries including Communication, Science and Technology, Public Works, Agriculture, Marketing and Food Security along with Trade and Industry, have different roles to play in helping the poultry production reach higher standards in Lesotho.
The government, he said is grateful for Bishop Ramela’s contribution in helping fight both hunger and unemployment in the country through his poultry project.

For his part, Bishop Ramela appealed to Basotho to unite in promoting poultry farming, adding that apart from the eggs produced at his farm, other producers can bring their eggs to his farm to be sold there.
“I am willing to assist other farmers by teaching them how to properly to feed their chickens in order to produce high quality eggs.
“It is sad that Basotho are being exploited by the Chinese, I therefore appeal to the ministry responsible for small businesses to regulate egg prices in order protect Basotho farmers and their products,” he said.

The farm he said currently has about 9 000 chickens but the plan is to increase them to 10 000 soon and eventually 14 000. About 50 people are employed at the farm.
Speaking at the same event, the Member of Parliament for the Thaba-Phatšoa constituency Chief Mahala Molapo said Bishop Ramela has made a major impact in various areas of Lesotho in creating employment through agriculture, adding that in most of his projects he has employed Basotho youth.