By Cecilia John Akile
The Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry in Western Bhar El Ghazal state; Valentino Akech Akuar has called on the citizens and every institution to prioritize farming.
He says it’s time to start preparing the garden ahead of the rainy season which normally begins in May.
Hon. Akech recognizes that South Sudan is generally facing terrible food insecurity which is revealed by this current economic situation.
He believes that farming is the way to defeat food insecurity, and therefore it is very necessary for every individual to embark on agriculture regardless of being in the village or the town.
“Prices of food items including the locally produced ones are very high because we did not cultivate enough in the previous year,” the minister adds.
He encourages the people to add more effort in their agricultural activities and calls on the different sectors and institutions to also cultivate this year so that together we can provide food for ourselves
However, the Minister also asks the citizens to avoid deforestation to maintain a good environment and to reduce climatic effects.
South Sudan is a landlocked country in East Africa that depends on Oil and agriculture to survive. The main crops grown under rainfed in green belt zones include cassava, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, sorghum and Maize.