A Norwegian aid agency launched an agricultural microfinance scheme in Torit to benefit three counties of Eastern Equatoria state.
Norwegian People Aid or NPA national coordinator Emmanuel Yengi says nine farmers groups in Torit, Magwi and Ikwoto counties will benefit from the revolving fund scheme, Emmanuel Radio reported.
He said the revolving grant aims at enabling farmers to increase production to meet the local market demands.
He stressed that the objective of the project is to allow farmers groups to have the resources and skills to produce for economic enterprises and facilitate market linkages.
Mr Yengi noted that women, youth and organized interest groups are the targets of the revolving grants.
He said the project provides equal access to resources and equal opportunities to increase production and marketing and ensure household food security.
Eastern Equatoria minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Irrigation and Cooperatives Mark Akio Ukinbul advised beneficiaries that they should be accountable.
The minister stressed the need for sustainability and ownership of the project by the beneficiary communities in the state.
Minister Akio urged partner organizations in agriculture to extend activities to other counties for equal distribution of resources and opportunities for the citizens.
NPA also implements the two-year small holders production and marketing projects in Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria and Jonglei states at a total costs about four million US dollars.