Jonglei agriculture minister praises church farmer group

October 6, 2013 (BOR) – The Jonglei state minister of agriculture Mayen Ngor has praised a church farmer group, Youth Mama Church Farmers, for leading by example in increasing food production in the state.

Ngor was speaking last week at the launch of harvest of sorghum in farms managed by the youth.

“We are today actually witnessing the harvesting day for the Youth Mama Church group. This is a real success for the government of Jonglei,” Minister Mayen Ngor said.

“I see the church members as faithful group, as agent of change in development by increasingly food production”, the minister added.

Ngor urged churches in the state and the general public to be more productive by promoting agricultural production.

The minister said this year the state expects to produce more food “except in some of the places affected by the floods”.

He promised to assist farmers in transporting produce from their farms to the markets.

Peter Mabior, Chairperson of the farmer group said the group was formed to promote peace and that its membership is made up of different churches and communities in Jonglei including Murle, Anuak, Nuer, Jie, Kachipo and Dinka.

“Our group was formed to promote peace in the state and we are trying to be exemplary to our communities to produce food through farming for self-reliance”, said Mabior while speaking to the press in Bor last week.

The South Sudan largest state of Jonglei witnessed bloody clashes during the recent past years between its different ethic groups. Thousands were killed as many others fled the tribal confrontations.

(ST)