South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Vice President and Chairperson of the Service Cluster Josephine Lagu, has urged communities to revitalize local food production by using traditional farming tools, such as hoes, as the government enhances support for agriculture.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Pojulu Cultural Festival on Monday, Lagu highlighted the significance of self-reliance in food production and the importance of utilizing locally available tools while waiting for more extensive government assistance.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security recently received a shipment of tractors. While these may not be sufficient for everyone, it marks a promising beginning,” she said. “In the meantime, let’s utilize our traditional tools, such as hoes. The government aims to ensure that we produce what we eat, rather than relying on imported food from other countries, which may not even be safe for us.”
VP Lagu emphasized President Salva Kiir’s directive to the Ministry of Finance and Planning to prioritize funding for agricultural development.
She urged communities to reclaim the country’s agricultural heritage and revive regions that once served as major food suppliers for Juba.
Last month, the ministry received 104 of the 500 tractors ordered from Aditya International Company, funded through the Ministry of Finance.
Agriculture Minister Hussein Abdelbagi Akol expressed optimism regarding the impact of the new equipment.
“We’re starting with 104 tractors with implements. These are present with us in our hands now. We are going to start to boost the economy of this country,” said Akol. “For all the farmers in South Sudan, we are going to start working with them closely so that we can increase our productivity and food security.”
In a related initiative, the Economic Cluster approved SSP 62 billion last month to support agricultural activities ahead of the rainy season. Following this allocation, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Lily Albino Akol instructed all governors and chief administrators to designate 250,000 hectares of land each for cultivation.
