Farmers in E. Equatoria get agricultural aid

May 25, 2010 (TORIT, EE) — Eastern Equatoria farmers are receiving seeds from Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to grow crops in the aftermath of droughts that affected five districts in Eastern Equatoria State (EES).

FAO in collaboration with the state ministry of agriculture is working in upland and lowland areas in the drought affected towns is distributing several seed varieties in an effort to help the agricultural sector get back on its feet.

The areas affected with the drought related cases include the greater Kapoeta, Lafon/Lopa part of Torit, Ikwoto and Part of Magwi County; some farmers have sorted agricultural migration to other places in the state.

Sudan Tribune has observed that, Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of agriculture aims of improving food security in the state targeting more especially the areas that had been much hit by drought last year.

Mr. Lawrence Otika the director General for the state ministry of agriculture says, “The ministry is only giving the seeds to farmers in the areas badly hit affected to help them improve their production this season”

Otika acknowledged that, “the seeds are donated by United Nation wing of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as part of their support to the state government of Eastern Equatoria State,” adding that, “the state is working hand in hand with FAO and some of international development partners and civil society organisations in order to prevent and improve the situation of the hunger in the state.”

The seeds include maize, Beans, groundnuts and soya beans,

Observers critics that, for the last two years the state government and the government of southern Sudan had not given any assistance to the ministry to boost up agriculture sector in the state, the state had relied on the international and the local organisations plus well wishers in the state.

It is believed that, Eastern Equatoria State is one of the most affected states in Southern Sudan for the last two to three years, with the issue of drought although its being prioritized as one of the major food basket for Southern Sudan

Consequently, drought has dragged development and food production to a low state in the region.

In related development Western Equatoria State Ministry of Agriculture on Monday inaugurated additional office block in Yambio, the extension compliments the state’s efforts to receive a USAID farming project which Western Equatoria has been selected to benefit from.

The inauguration was officiated by the outgoing caretaker governor and her cabinet!

(ST)