Serbian Agricultural experts select Jonglei for farms initiative
By Philip Thon Aleu
March 20, 2009 (BOR TOWN) – The Republic of Serbia plans to establish modern large-scale companies in South Sudan beginning with Jonglei State where 30,000 hectares of land will be put under crop and animal farming during the first phase of the project, a visiting delegates told officials here on Thursday.
Jasna Mastilovic, the team leader, unveiled the plan while addressing Jonglei officials at the Council of Ministers’ Hall; outlining that vast-fertile land of Jonglei State, strategic locality and accessibility by road throughout the year back their first choice.
Jonglei Governor Kuol Manyang welcomes the experts move assuring that “our land is money because it is very fertile.”
Mastilovic, in her presentation, praised Jonglei authorities for continuous effort to bringing peace to Upper Nile region despite tribal clashes. The farming experts believe Jonglei State will improve tense security through availing enough resources to end competition over merged necessities between communities.
The Serbian delegates will take soil samples in the future farms site to determine suitable crops that it would support. Food crops such as sorghum, rich and vegetables among others. After the assessment, Serbian Agricultural Consortium and Serbian Agricultural Project will sell Jonglei fertility to attract investors and donors.
NOT TIME FRAME
The delegation that landed in Bor on Thursday, March 19, was invited by Governor Kuol Manyang Juuk whose State is the pioneer in handling the Serbian approach of developing agricultural sector in the semi-autonomous region through establishment of large-scale and commercial companies.
30,000 hectares of land will be used for farming and animal production during the first phase of the project, employing 3000 workers. An increment by 20,000 hectares annually was also lauded.
An area of 100,000 hectares employing 18,000 workers will be put under various farming activities for the period experts declined to frame despite questions from audiences. It is also not clear when the project research will be finalized for the implementation to kick off.
However, Jonglei already has seven tractors assembled in front of Governor’s office and ready to tilt land anywhere, anytime. More State tractors are expected shortly.
Speaking during the meeting Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk expressed optimism that South Sudan’s economy will change through farming and what he described as “change of policy.”
“Our land is money because is it very fertile. But are we are making use of it?” he posed a question adding that “there is nowhere to find employment apart from investing in our land. It needs a change of policy and we can do it.”
The Serbian team took off for a tour today Friday with Governor Kuol Manyang to Jalle and Baidit Payams where first farms are expected to be suited.
The briefing, which took place only hours after Gov. Kuol returned from Juba, was attended by State Ministers, commissioners and head of organized forces.
(ST)
Gatwech
Serbian Agricultural experts select Jonglei for farms initiative
Rescue Jonglei state,
While I do thank the eastern European country of Serbia for wanting to invest in Jonglei state, I am very disappointed in the fact that Governor Kuol Manyang Juuk has just parked the 7 tractors given to his state by the GOSS Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry since last year. Why has the governor not put the tractors on use since last year? Does he want to privatize them as his property?
We in Upper Nile state received our share of 7 tractors since last year like any of the ten Southern Sudan states. The tractors were 70 in number and each state got 7 of them. But all our tractors have been put to use in many agricultural areas, and this is why Upper Nile state is producing 40% of food commodities in the South while Jonglei is producing non despite the 7 tractors sitting idly. Are you waiting for foreigners from Serbia to show you what to do?
Also, this 30,000 hectares is too small for a government investor. If a private American investor company in Unity state could invest in area of 400,000 hectars in one county alone in Unity state, then why not the government of Serbia in that huge state of Jonglei? They could not even have timeframe from which the project will start. It may take another year to start. So, Mr. governor of Jonglei state, please do something with those 7 tractors the reporter said you have just park them in front of your office. Let them do the work they are intended to.
Wow, I heard that the Juba parliament wants to summon the governor over the recent fighting that devastated the Murle land. Don’t mix your incompetence on food insecurity with life insecurity faced by your citizens on daily basis. The parliament will fire you!
Tariel
Serbian Agricultural experts select Jonglei for farms initiative
Gatwech!
You are learning on wrong man to build your hatred and tribalism in South Sudan.
Traitor like you will never be considered right.
Lt.Gen Kuol Manyang Juuk is untouchable whose leadership qualities has inspired South Sudan people up to this CPA era and expecting him being sammoned by that women-made up SSLA is a joke indeed and no one can listen to you.First ask Riek Machar and he will give you the striaght forward answers abuot Kuol Manyang.
STOP barking at SPLM/A fathers!
Your Exellency Lt.Gen.Kuol Manyang Juuk,please keep it up,you have been capable through out the struggle(Revolution)
God bless Junglei state and it`s outstanding leaders!