Food Security and Nutrition department of Caritas in the Catholic Diocese of Torit has received cassava cuttings for distribution in Lafon and Imehejek corridors of Lafon/Lopa County in Eastern Equatoria state.
Torit Caritas Coordinator, Denis Okumu, on Monday received first Lorry of 200 bags of the cassava cuttings from Magwi County to be taken to Imehejek corridor.The second Lorry of another 200 bags of cassava cuttings for Lafon corridor is yet to arrive, Radio Emmanuel reported.
Farmers in Kapoeta, Torit and Ikwoto counties are among 1,300 beneficiaries of 1,300 bags of cassava cuttings for plantation.
Mr. Okumu disclosed that distribution of the cassava cuttings is a part of 303, 545 South Sudanese Pounds project funded by the Government of Germany through the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FOA).
The project aims at improving agricultural productivity in Eastern Equatoria state.
At least 42 Metric tons of assorted crop seeds, 4,700 pieces of hand tools are to be provided to 2, 350 beneficiaries mostly IDPs, returnees and vulnerable host community members.
Mr. Okumu explained that the specific objective of the project is to contribute to reducing the deficit in food production among vulnerable communities.
He added that the ultimate objective is to improve Food Security and Livelihood of vulnerable households in Eastern Equatoria State.
Mr. Okumu said Caritas Torit looks at alleviating poverty by promoting empowered communities through socio-economical development programmes.
Food Security and Nutrition Coordinator said purchasing the “Tropical Manhat Execulenta” cassava variety from Magwi County is not only suitable type to be grown in Eastern Equatoria state and also put cash to local farmers.
Eastern Equatoria state minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Irrigation, and Cooperatives, Mark Akio urged agricultural organizations to speed up seed distribution to avoid delay in crop planting and retard yields.
Akio warned that the state will not accept any organization to distribute seed as late as May.
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