The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Irrigation in Western Bahr El Ghazal has placed emphasis on agriculture extension services in the state to increase production and employ new graduates.
Lilian Velantino Rizik made the comment Thursday morning during her visit to the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science at the Catholic University in Wau in an attempt to tackle some challenges faced by the institution, Voice of Hope reported.The Minister said she wanted to engage agriculture students in more practical field work to boost food production in the state.
She added that the ministry identified cultivation plots for the Catholic University students especially those in the final year for practical work to grow guavas and watermelons.
Ms Velantino stressed the need of getting more girls into agriculture despite of some academic difficulties they were facing.
She added that her ministry would offer chances for students willing to get work experience through field attachments.
Ms Velantino said local farmers in the rural areas needed moral boosts in order to increase food production in the state.