By Yang Ater Yang
During a field visit to Yirol West County over the weekend, Poth Majak Daljang, the Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry in Lakes State, urged farmers to enhance their agricultural production to combat hunger and achieve self-reliance.
The delegation included the chairpersons of the specialized committee on agriculture and animal resources in the Lakes State Parliament, the chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), the UN FAO representative, and various directors who monitored crop production in the area.
Minister Daljang said that farmers possess the potential to contribute to South Sudan’s food supply and foster peace.
“We have fertile land here. If industrious farmers in Lakes State utilize it effectively, we can overcome challenges such as floods affecting Rumbek East and parts of Yirol West,” he stated.
He called for farmers’ commitment to addressing food insecurity in Lakes State through increased participation in local agricultural production.
Daljang advised those whose farms have been impacted to use necessary means to combat pests like worms.
Elizabeth Pankar, representing one of the demonstration farm groups, expressed gratitude to the Lakes State government and partners for their visit.
She mentioned various challenges, including delays in seed delivery, transportation issues, inadequate storage facilities, and a lack of farming tools.
“We appreciate the Help Garman organization for providing us with training in modern farming and management skills,” she said.
Mary Ayor, a member of the Pankar vegetable group, added that despite having a surplus of produce, they face difficulties accessing markets due to transportation limitations.
“I request the government and partners to help us with water supply, as we struggle with irrigation during the dry season. We also need tools and seeds for vegetable farming,” she said.
Ayor mentioned that the maize and durra crops are being threatened by fall armyworms, which are damaging their harvests.
Meanwhile, Mario Makur, deputy head of the UN FAO in Rumbek, assured the farmers of Pankar Boma in Abang Payam that the organization will continue to support groups that are organized and actively engaged in farming activities, rather than assisting individuals.