By Gladys Fred Kole
Central Equatoria State gov’t has handed over 13 tractors to the County Commissioners to boost food production across the State.
The handover of the tractors comes as a fulfillment of the State government’s strategic direction on economic revival through agriculture.
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony, Governor Emmanuel Adil affirmed the state government’s commitment to revive the economy through agriculture.
He said the tractors are associated with farming and directed immediate dispatch to the six counties so as to fight food insecurity.
“I am honored to hand over these tractors as it affirms the revival of the economy through agriculture on behalf of the Government of Central Equatoria State,” Adil said.
He further directed that the tractors be taken to all counties.
The governor also ordered the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment to establish cooperative societies to streamline the usage of the tractors to propel massive cultivation.
“I urge the Ministry to establish cooperative societies, as this is yet the beginning and we hope for more of these machines to come.” The governor further stated.
According to the distribution modality unveiled by the Lined Ministry, each county shall have two tractors allocated since the state has six counties.
South Sudan still remains one of the most food-insecure countries globally and in the East Africa region, with over 60 percent of the population expected to be acutely food-insecure.
Household stocks depleted earlier than usual in many areas, income-generating opportunities remained limited, and staple food prices were atypically high, exacerbated by disrupted trade flows.
The conflict in Sudan with the influx of refugees and returnees also increased demand for food in South Sudan.
The State Assembly Speaker, Peter Wani Elia, Deputy Governor Sarah Nene, State Advisors, Ministers, Technocrats, and other key state government officials attended the handover ceremony.