Governor Kok  Launches Jonglei State Farm Project

By Simon Deng

The governor of Jonglei State, Riek Gai Kok, On Wednesday inaugurated a farm project in Mathiang Boma, Baidit Payam, Bor County.

Governor Kok expressed his administration’s commitment to transitioning from subsistence to mechanized agriculture by acquiring both light and heavy machinery.

“This initiative aims to support small farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs in producing wheat, onions, tomatoes, maize, rice, cassava, mangoes, sugar cane, coffee, and bananas on a larger scale to enhance food security in the state,” Kok said.

He commended the people of Mathiang Boma in Baidit Payam for upholding peace in the area, noting that since his ascent to the position of governor, there has been an increase in inter-community harmony, peace, and socio-economic development among the Baidit people and their neighbors.

“My administration is poised to sustain this momentum and even surpass our achievements. We assure our farmers that we are coming to work with you; we will supply all you need. We came to serve the people, and the people are number one in all our programs,” he said.

Kok also announced that the government will open additional locations designated for other crops, adding that the initiative aligns with the State Government’s policy to revamp agriculture and promote self-sufficiency in food production in Jonglei State.

The flag-off marks the commencement of a comprehensive food value chain aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving food security, and creating employment opportunities in the state.

Kuol Manyang Juuk, the Senior Presidential Advisor, who attended the ceremony, noted that agricultural farmlands would be allocated to farmers across the state in Baidit, Jalle, and other areas, stating that the state has embarked on an agricultural revolution.

Juuk also disclosed that Jonglei State is set to take its position as the food basket of the nation and serve as the engine room of agriculture in the country.

“The reforms we have put in place aim to scale up agriculture as the mainstay of the state’s economy. We recognize the immense potential of the agricultural sector and the significant impact it can have on the state’s development. Therefore, a series of strategic measures have been implemented to promote and support agricultural activities,” said Juuk.

“Jonglei State was once the engine room of prosperity through agriculture; that’s why we have made deliberate policies to enhance the agricultural revolution in the state,” he added.

John Chuol Malou, the Minister of Agriculture in Jonglei State, said that the initiative is part of the effort to make agriculture the mainstay of the state’s economy, adding that the state government is developing policies that will clarify roles and provide a regulatory framework for investment in the sector.

Amer Ateny Alier, the Speaker of the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly, said the Jonglei administration will empower farmers to liberate the people of Jonglei from poverty.

Alier also affirmed that if properly harnessed, agriculture could eliminate the over-dependence on political appointments by young people and provide opportunities for individuals to improve their lives.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior government officials, military personnel, traditional rulers, and other agricultural stakeholders.