The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization or FAO announced accelerating efforts to get vital seeds, tools and other materials to most vulnerable farmers in South Sudan at the planting season.
FAO in a statement says up to 18 flights loaded with seeds, tools and fishing kits leave Juba each day for planting in conflict-hit areas of Upper Nile and Jonglei States where hunger and malnutrition levels are particularly high.
FAO Acting Representative Serge Tissot warns that without seeds, farmers would have to wait and plant in 2016 and that they would not see another cereal harvest until the end of next year.
He adds that it is the only opportunity to many farmers to plant cereals, expressing commitment to monitor the situation and adapt its programme to rapidly meet the needs of thousands of vulnerable people in more secure areas.
FAO is collaborating with national and international NGOs based in the target regions to distribute the airlifted materials on the ground.