Upper Nile ensures food security remains top priority

September 22, 2010 (MALAKAL) – The Upper Nile state government on Wednesday said it remained committed and determined to judiciously work to promote sustainable agriculture and enhanced agribusiness through research and technology.

This is expected to increase production and yield of major staple crops for food security through improved agricultural practices such as the block farm concept, tractor services for ploughing and research and technology transfer to farmers and processors concept.

Seasonal crops such as sorghums, maize and rice, to just name a few, are expected to appreciate substantially in yield.

Speaking at a forum on the nutritional values of local food items in Malakal, capital of Upper Nile state, on Wednesday, Chol Chuol, minister of agriculture and forestry, said agriculture remained one of the top priorities.

“Agriculture remains on top on lists of our priorities and agriculture ministry is committed to introduce new farming techniques to local farmers in the rural areas. We will support local farmers with both skills and manpower to improve annual production,” he said.

He said the government pledged commitment to provide incentives such as machines and equipment as well as short term credit facilities to farmers and processors to boost production. This is also designed to make agriculture and agribusiness attractive to the youth.

The government official also called for investment in the local agriculture sector through research and training of producers to help meet quality standards of the market internationally.

“We encourage foreign companies to invest in agriculture, education, roads and oil industries,” he said, adding that proposing that more mechanization centers should also be set up while tractors are provided to farmers devoid of bureaucracies in the distribution process.

He noted that it was high time comprehensive measures are put in place to promote local food materials to promote the health of the people and also sustain the income of the local farmers.

(ST)