South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Benjamin Takpiny
Farmers in Ruweng Administrative Area are facing significant challenges that threaten their livelihoods due to fuel shortages and quelea birds disrupting their agricultural activities.
Mading Chol, the secretary general of farmers union in Ruweng Administrative Area, on Friday urged both the government and international organizations to provide assistance to farmers to boost production amid existing challenges.
He was speaking during celebration of World Food Day organized by the UN Food and Agriculture organization (FAO) and government in Pariang area.
On Friday in Pariang Ruweng Administrative Area, UN Food and Agriculture organization (FAO) partnered with the Government of South Sudan , donors & other key partners to celebrate world food day under Theme – “Right to foods for a better life and a better future – leave no one behind”
“I can assure you that our land of Ruweng Administrative Area can benefit all the people of South Sudan and neighboring countries like Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda if we have modern agricultural tools. Right now we are using local tools and yet we should be working with modern technology like tractors,” said Chol.
Chol said that250 liters of fuel currently cost about 2.4 million South Sudan Pounds in Ruweng, which most farmers are unable to afford amid the ongoing economic crises.
He added that poor road network is denying local farmers market for their products.
“We are begging you as donors to join together with our government to complete the remaining 10 kilometers of the inland port in Ruweng. And if we complete it, it can be easier than air and road transport from Juba to Ruweng. It is also affecting all UN agencies and NGOs which are operating in Ruweng,” said Chol.
Zubeida Zaka, Acting Chairman of Ajuong Thok Refugee camp said that this year they are counting huge losses due to heavy flooding destroying their produce.
She called upon the government and the host community to provide them with enough land to grow food to sustain feeding of hundreds of refugees in the camp.
Deputy Paramount chief of Parieng, Malual Jau, asked for support from government and development partners to combat pests that are destroying crops and also address the insecurity in the area.
Many farm lands have been raided by quela birds in Ruweng.
Josephine Lagu, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the importance of bringing peace and security to boost food production.
“We must prioritize efforts to foster peace and stability in our country. Only through a secure environment can we empower our farmers to cultivate their lands and rebuild their livelihoods,” said Lagu.
She said that many farmers are unable to improve production due to lack of resources, technological knowledge and know-how.
“Moreover, inadequate infrastructure remains a significant barrier. Poor roads and limited access to markets make it difficult for farmers to sell their produce, resulting in post-harvest losses and reduced income. Additionally, access to vital services, such as credit and extension services are often limited,” said Lagu.
Tiob De Monyluak De Diran, Chief Administrator of Ruweng Adminstrative Area, said that many families are struggling to feed in Ruweng following the destruction of farm lands by flooding.
He emphasized that the agricultural sector is vital not only for feeding but also sustains livelihoods in addition to improving economic growth.
Monyluak called for increased investment in sustainable farming practices in order to support local farmers.
Meshack Malo, FAO Representative in South Sudan said that they are willing to support farmers to spray their farms in a bid to get rid of the pests that are eating their crops.
“I want to assure the chief administrator that we shall be back to discuss more on how we can work together. Finally, because of time, we have had the call that was being made by the deputy paramount chief about the quela birds. I want to assure you that today there is going to be a plane that will arrive for the spraying of this,” said Malo.
