Arop
By Emmanuel Michael Garjiek
Youth in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, have launched an ambitious agricultural campaign called Let’s Go Farming Marathon, which aims to reduce reliance on imported food while increasing local production.
The program, which was launched on Saturday, aims to motivate communities to engage in farming and solve food insecurity in the area.
Andrew Diko, chairperson of the initiative, stressed the need of self-sufficiency in food production during the launch.
“For years, many young people in Yei have been involved in activities that do not benefit them, including being used to fuel conflicts,” Diko said. “This year, we have decided to change that by focusing on farming.”
Diko noted that the program’s name, Let’s Go Farming Marathon, represents the urgency and drive required to combat food insecurity.
“We have wasted enough time and resources importing food. It pains me to see even basic vegetables like greens being brought in from Uganda,” he said. “This year, we want to ensure that all our food is produced locally in Yei.”
He also thanked Central Equatoria State Governor Augustino Jadallah for his support of the initiative, which aims to boost agricultural investment in Yei River County.
The program has received recognition from both international and local parties.
Joy Tumalu, a representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), praised the youth’s efforts and described the program as a step towards transforming Yei into South Sudan’s breadbasket.
“Agriculture is a vital source of livelihood, and we encourage everyone to take up farming,” Tumalu said.
She also emphasized the FAO’s ongoing projects in Yei, which aim to boost agricultural output and help local farmers.
Central Equatoria State Agriculture Minister Lily Kafuki shared these remarks, emphasizing the necessity of farming in a society largely reliant on food imports.
“When I heard about this project in October, I was overjoyed. Agriculture is critical to our survival, and I applaud the kids for taking this initiative,” Kafuki stated.
She confirmed her ministry’s support for the program and its goal of empowering young farmers.
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