INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE

• By Admin
• 13th April, 2020

Agribusiness Corner: Investment Opportunities in Agriculture
1. Bio-trade
Lesotho has bio diversity and their derivatives that need to be commercialized sustainably. Some local business already use some of these species for medicinal, cultural and cosmetic purposes.
2. Commercial Poultry production: Chicken, Eggs and Related value chain products
Lesotho currently imports more than 80 % of its products from South Africa. Therefore, the local demand for poultry products calls for more local production to meet this demand. Given the relative competitive wages in the country.
3. Horticulture
The country has potential for crop and fruit tree farming. Feasibility studies for fruit trees are complete and negotiations with those who currently own suitable land for production are underway. Experimental evidence provided through World Bank private sector competitiveness project has shown that the country has comparative advantage in the production of delicious fruits. The high altitude conditions which are conducive for an early ripening season and good for the quality of the produce place the country at an advantage in production.
4. Aquaculture
The climate conditions further presents greatest potential for aquaculture. Currently in aquaculture, only two companies breed and export trout to Japan and EU markets. This therefore calls for engaging more in aquaculture
5. Red Meat Production
Lesotho’s rangelands have got vast and nutritional rangelands which can improve the quality of the meat. The red meat production sector is therefore another feasible agro-investment.
6. Medicinal Plants such as Cannabis (marijuana)
Some private companies have started planted Cannabis and medicinal plants in the country and have already started marketing and selling their products in countries like USA, U.K. and Canada. The potential for further investment into this area still exists.
7. Wool and mohair, hides and related products
Lesotho is the second largest in the world in terms of the production of wool and mohair. However, there is potential for the value chain development and scaling of the production in the sector.