By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir has directed Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, to boost agriculture.
Kiir made the call on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed government officials at the presidential palace.
Abdelbagi Akol was relieved on Monday from the position of Vice President for Service Cluster and immediately appointed as Agriculture Minister.
According to the office of President, Kiir reiterated the need for the new minister to facilitate initiatives that boost agriculture.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit has urged the new agriculture minister, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, to lead initiatives aimed at boosting food production across the country,” the statement partly read.
In line with fighting food insecurity, the president emphasized the pressing need to advance agriculture and attain sustainable food production mechanisms.
While the country battles an economic crisis, the president acknowledged boosting agriculture as a remedial approach to the country’s economic recovery agenda.
President Kiir vowed to support the newly appointed official, including the Minister of Agriculture, in order to achieve their plans that focus on improving agriculture in the country.
“The government hopes that the new officials will bring in fresh perspectives and renewed energy to their respective roles, contributing to the overall development and stability of the nation ahead of the slated polls,” the statement read.
In his New Year’s address in 2024, President Salva Kiir reiterated government efforts to boost food production in the country.
“The Ministry of Roads and Bridges is to rehabilitate and construct roads leading to Western Equatoria to enable farmers to access the market,” he said.
“In the year 2025, the government will prioritize agriculture to enhance our food security. I am therefore directing the Ministry of Agriculture to double efforts to support the farmers across the country to improve yield. The Ministry of Roads and Bridges to rehabilitate and construct roads leading to Western Equatoria to enable farmers to access the market,” he said.
Kiir expressed that the rehabilitation of the roads leading to Western Equatoria state would ensure that Juba and other neighboring towns received food items produced within the country.
The president also directed the army to provide security on the roads to ensure the safety of farmers and travelers in general.
“The ministry of defense is to make sure all illegal checkpoints along the roads and rivers are removed and the security and safety of the travelers is guaranteed,” he said.