National, News

Farmers decries insecurity hindering farming

By Bida Elly David

South Sudan Farmers’ Union has decried continuous insecurity across the Country as the major problem affecting the agricultural sector, which is believed to be the backbone of the Country’s economy.

The farmers union stressed that implementation of the peace agreement ought to be speeded up to boost production.

National representative of the farmers Union, Timon Wani said insecurity is the factor derailing food production across the country.

“Farmers have the desire to produce, but the insecurity across the bushes of the Country could not allow them to participate in farming activities,” he said.

He said that whenever the farmers struggle to cultivate, they are disturbed by unknown gunmen in the wilderness.

Wani stated that South Sudan’s economy would have been a great sector, competing globally, but political differences and self-interest have torn the Country apart.

He underscored that South Sudan is a country that has sufficient fertile land for both commercial and subsistence farming, but what it misses is the ability to access the garden.

He added that the farmland is surrounded by crooks who fight for their own interest.

The farmers’ leader believes that through good security, South Sudan would stop importing food from neighboring countries and embark on production.

Mr. Wani further said another factor that affects agriculture across the Country is lack of access to loans that would enhance farmers’ ability to produce sufficient food.

“Another challenge is a lack of finance. All our banks in South Sudan are not lending to farmers; farmers are stranded, and we only have production of sorghum in Renk, Northern Sudan,” he cried.

He also blames overdependence on relief and humanitarian support as another issue that renders South Sudan food insecure.

Timon said this tendency has planted laziness in South Sudanese since they highly depend on free goods and services.

Despite farmers’ efforts in cultivating across South Sudan, most of their produce has been outcompeted by foreign goods that people believe have better quality.

“The NGOS are bringing food relief, and unfortunately most of the relief comes from neighboring countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and other countries. Our farmers are not getting their money out of their produce,” he exclaimed.

Timon called on the parliament to initiate a bill on the matter for discussion so that it is put as a significant matter of concern before the executive for quick implementation.

He said citizens shouldn’t continue suffering when there is fertile arable land to combat food insecurity across the nation.

Timon argued that South Sudan should not be called a young nation anymore, adding that it attained its independence from Sudan 12 years ago.

“All of us know that we are importing goods from neighboring countries, including the brooms. We need to support our farmers to produce.”

“We call upon our parliament to consider this a crucial matter for addressing food insecurity because we don’t want our citizens to die of hunger,” he emphasized.

 

 

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