By Nakwam Rose
Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel and minister of agriculture, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol discussed means to improve agricultural sector in South Sudan.
The meeting, on Wednesday, 14th of May, also attended by Deputy Minister, Lily Albino Akol, centered on initiating presidential directives to promote diverse food production and healthy farming methods.
The trio introduced VP Bol Mel to different strategies laid out to achieve the successful Agro-plans that included, strategic planning, inter-government coordination, and farmer-focused incentives.
All the strategies were designed to favor the different agricultural methods practiced across regions, in the country.
A significant out come of the meeting was the revision of future agricultural conferences set to unite all farmers, community leaders, policymakers, and the public to brainstorm effective ideas towards a thriving Agro-Business path.
Bol Mel stressed that Agriculture is a backbone of humanity and foundation of the country’s economy. He described it as “the soul provider” for rural areas and “the cornerstone of national food sovereignty”.
Bol mel also assured the governments cooperation to support the sector by providing crucial components like tools and inputs, policies and partnerships.
The Vice President for Economic Cluster assured the cultivators to apply more effort as the government will be in support of their dedicated efforts.
“To every farmer, youth, and household across our nation: now is the time to invest in agriculture. As you work on your land, be assured that your government is right beside you,” the vice president stated.
Farmers across the country have consistently raised concerns about conflicts and insufficient government support, particularly, in pest control, access to fuel and lack of a stable market for their produce.
However, in support of agriculture, the Ministry of Finance and Planning donated 104 tractors to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to boost agricultural productivity, across the country.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Economic Cluster, head by Vice President, Dr Benjamin Bol Mel approved SSP 62 billion to support farming activities ahead of the rainy season.
Deputy minister of Agriculture and food security, Lili Albino Akol directed all state governors and chief administrators to allocate 250,000 hectares of land each for agricultural use.
On the other hand, UNDP, IFAD and Ministry of agriculture and food security on December 2024 launched a USD 16.8 million grant to support rural agricultural development.
The world bank, European Union, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States on February 2024 also contributed USD 430 Million in funding to support health and agricultural sectors in South Sudan.