By Philip Buda Ladu
In a move to bolster food productivity and reduce reliance on imported food supplies, the government has procured 104 tractors for farming.
The consignment, delivered by Aditya International Company, was officially received by the National Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abdalbagi Akol.
Speaking to the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) Minister Akol emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting farmers as the rainy and farming seasons commence.
“We will deliver to the farmer, and we also want them to be skilled and committed so that we can start tangible work this season,” he stated upon receiving the tractors.
The agriculture minister expressed optimism that this initial batch of 104 tractors, equipped with implements, would contribute significantly to boosting the nation’s economy through increased agricultural output and enhanced food security.
“This day is important for me and for my people in the Ministry of Agriculture and for all the farmers in South Sudan that we are going to start working with them closely such that we can boost the economy of this country and we have to increase our productivity and food security.” Akol stated.
The procurement of these tractors was facilitated by the economic cluster, which directed the Ministry of Finance to contract Aditya International Company.
Deputy Minister of Finance, Bec George Anyak, reiterated the government’s dedication to prioritizing agriculture as a key element in diversifying the national economy, a vision championed by His Excellency General Salva Kiir Mayardit.
“For us, to diversify the economy, agriculture is one of the top priorities that should be given focus,” Anyak affirmed. “In line with that, the Minister of Finance and Planning decided to hand over the tractors to the concerned ministry in order for them to start farming because for us, to have a successful economy there must be food security in the country.”
While acknowledging existing financial constraints, Deng Tong Kuol, the representative of Aditya International Company, assured that the second phase of the delivery would arrive soon.
He clarified adjustments made to the initial contract, stating, “The contract was meant to be 1,000 tractors, but it has been justified to be 500 and 500 implements. Those 1,000 tractors were having no implements, but with the discussion with the Minister of Agriculture, we agreed that the contract will be 500 plus 500 implements and equipment also for the tractors.”
Tong also appealed to the government for the timely release of outstanding payments to ensure the smooth continuation of the procurement process.
This initial delivery of 104 tractors marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to eradicate hunger and achieve food security for its citizens by empowering local farmers and boosting agricultural productivity across the nation.