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Bentiu: Al-Naeim Mubarak Kuol
The Governor of Unity State, Justice Riek Bim Top, launched the pilot rice farming project aimed at enhancing food security and supporting local agriculture in the state.
This project is part of a broader strategy to support farmers, improve crop production, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. It covers an area of 7 hectares in the suburbs of Bentiu, the state capital.
#In his speech during the project’s launch ceremony, the Governor emphasized the importance of rice cultivation for the local economy and alleviating food insecurity.
Dr. Muteshi Hilda, Program Director at the Coalition for Humanity, the implementing partner,
“This current project aims to build community resilience, and by the end of the three years, communities across Unity State will be able to produce sustainable food, making them food-secure. The project was initially intended for other crops, but good crops cannot overcome environmental changes, so we opted for rice. Through this rice project, communities will be economically empowered. We are also exploring possible ways to introduce yam farming projects and plan to reach other counties in the state.”said
Wadar Yak, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry in Unity State, said:
“This is a great initiative, and I urge the people of Unity State to continue cooperating with partners on this project so that we can overcome food insecurity. This is our first step to escaping food scarcity. I appreciate the Government of Unity State under the leadership of Justice Riek Bim Top for its firm support of the ministry. Our ministry currently aims to promote local food production in the state because we possess vast, fertile land. I also encourage officials from the state government to prioritize agriculture so that the local communities will follow their lead.”
Deputy Governor Tor Tunguar said:
“Your Excellency, I am grateful for the launch of this rice farming project. This is a resilience-building project and one of the ways to eradicate hunger, so that in the future, we can rely on ourselves instead of external assistance. We need all crops that will thrive best in this fertile land.”
In a press statement, Justice Riek Bim Top, Governor of Unity State, said:
“This initiative will help us greatly. The only solution to overcoming social challenges such as hunger is through the consistent implementation of agricultural activities, which will eventually lead to a food-secure community. We are ready and prepared to expand this project to include other counties.”
The project is expected to provide farmers with training and resources, including access to high-quality seeds, modern agricultural techniques, and irrigation systems, which will improve the livelihoods of families in Unity State. The project will also focus on educating farmers about the benefits of rice farming and effective farm management practices.
