By Manas James Okony
Farmers in Pochalla South County, part of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), are facing severe losses due to flooding caused by days of unrelenting torrential rains. Crops are submerged, leaving livelihoods in tatters.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, distraught farmers described the devastating impact of the weather on their lives and livelihoods.
The flooding has compounded the challenges faced by this already vulnerable area.
One farmer, Othow Omot, shared his harrowing experience of crop failure due to floods in July.
He had hoped to recover from those losses during the second planting season, but now, his fields are once again underwater.
“In July, the harvest was minimal because the floodwaters destroyed my crops just as they were ready for harvest. When the waters receded, I thought the second planting season would yield better results, but now my maize crops are standing in rainwaters. I’ve already lost more than half of my one feddan of maize plantation,” he lamented.
Another farmer, Owety Olung Oman, declared himself hopeless in the face of such adversity.
“Nothing is left. In Gorkwo, all the farms, including my own, are submerged in floodwaters. In Tier-Lul, about ten farms are also underwater, with no opportunity for tilling or harvesting. Our situation is dire, and our only hope is for divine intervention to stop these incessant rains,” he said.
Pochalla South County Commissioner Othow Okoti voiced his concerns regarding the critical situation, warning of an impending food crisis.
“Everywhere is flooded, making agriculture nearly impossible. Our area was also affected by floods during the first planting season, so our people will undoubtedly face hunger this year,” he stated.
As the rains continue, the farmers of Pochalla South County are left grappling with the aftermath, counting the losses and praying for a swift end to the torrential downpour.