By Hou Akot Hou and Lodu William Odiya
Council of chiefs in Turalei Payam of Warrap state has straightened out strict policies urging farmers to restrain their cattle to avoid crop destruction.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper, Chief Deng Nyuol said some crops have started to show signs of good germination and growth and were being destroyed by livestock which their owners allow to wander.
He stated that they had come up with a decision, asking all livestock owners to discipline their animals by looking after them during the day to avoid tempering with the crops of other farmers.
“We have told every owner of the cattle not to allow goats, sheep, cows and every cattle not to be allowed to wander unattended to. This creates feud in the communities and we want this order to get implemented,” Nyuol said
“If your cattle are caught you will be charged to compensate the damaged crops and your cow or goat will be brought to us in the court and we decide to give to the complainants till you pay the damaged crops,” he charged.
Most farmers who gut to fight hunger, lauds the decision of the local chiefs and urge the authorities to do what is required of them to implement the order and avoid being selective in judicial procedures when it comes to discharging their duties over hard cases among the conflicting parties especially during the hard times such as this hunger period.
Cattle destroying crops is a common problem, particularly in areas where grazing land is limited or where livestock are not properly managed.
This can lead to significant economic losses for farmers, as well as potential social conflict between those who own the crops and those who own the cattle.