Author: Baria Johnson | Published: 4 hours ago
Jackson Andrew prepares the soil on his farm with a hoe ahead of planting season, Gitikiri, Yambio County, South Sudan. Credit: ©FAO/Arete/Patrick Meinhardt/24 March 2024, .
JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – The Ministry of Finance and Planning has officially approved a dedicated budget for the procurement of agricultural tools and seeds to support farmers across South Sudan ahead of the upcoming farming season.
The decision was reached during a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol.
Speaking to the state broadcaster (SSBC) over the weekend, the Undersecretary for Planning, Benjamin Ayali, confirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will now receive the necessary funds to engage farmers nationwide.
The primary goal is to ensure the timely distribution of high-quality seeds and modern farming implements to boost local production.
“We have approved a budget line item that is crucial for this year’s intervention into agricultural activities,” Ayali stated.
“With this approved budget, the Ministry of Agriculture will reach out to farmers and extension workers to provide hybrid seeds across the country.”
While the Undersecretary emphasized the importance of this intervention for national food security, the Ministry of Finance has not yet disclosed the specific amount of money designated for this project.
The timely provision of hybrid seeds and tools is seen as a critical step in helping South Sudanese farmers maximize their yields as the rainy season approaches.
