October, Maseru: The Lesotho government has set aside M10 million (approx £711,688 / $144,9993) to subsidise prices of essential food items. Maize meal, sugar beans, peas, fresh and sour milk will be subsidised by 20 percent to curb the high price of these items from October to March next year.

This was announced on state television on behalf of the Minister of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing, Mr. Ralechate 'Mokose. He said that the money is part of the M220 million allocated by the government for the Famine Relief Programme (FRP).

Mr. 'Mokose said that the initiative has been prompted because food prices are increasing every day due to the poor harvest caused by the severe drought.