By Manas James
Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology has launched a rice research and training center at the institution’s main campus in the Jonglei State capital, Bor.
About 2500 m2 rice farm was opened in a groundbreaking ceremony last week.
Korean peacekeepers with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Bor field office are providing technical support to the university.
Professor Abraham Matoc Dhal, the university’s Vice-Chancellor said the project is to test viability of rice farming and to equip students before embarking on a large-scale agriculture.
“We are trying to start testing rice farming. As a university of science and technology, we are trying to spearhead rice farming in this area,” he said.
He added that as Jonglei is a flood-prone area and rice is a crop that needs a lot of water, they thought to make use of rice to benefit from the floods, and to train our students of agriculture.
The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that the rice pilot project would help in the fight against food insecurity in the country.
“In fact, it (the project) is for research and training but if it succeeds next year, then we will do it on a large scale,” he stressed.
“As an agricultural country, our country is dependent on agriculture and therefore we need to test all the agricultural products so that we are fully involved in cultivating crops that are agricultural.
According to the vice chancellor, if the project succeeds, it contributes towards poverty reduction and food security.
Meanwhile, John Samuel Manyuon, the state cabinet minister, welcomed the project as a step towards realizing the country’s economic prosperity.
“This is a very nice initiative, and it is not only for the people of Jonglei State but with the South Sudanese people,” he said.
The state minister said the people of South Sudan need a project that is easy to establish, long-lasting and be able to stand on our own on order to deal away with food aid or other donations.
UNMISS head of field office in Jonglei State and Pibor Administrative Area, Geetha Pious said the project would help the country tackle food insecurity and instill culture of sustainable farming.