Source: United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) |

Handover of agricultural equipment prompts call for increased farming in Western Bahr-El-Ghazal

Farmers are keen to move on to mechanized and more productive farming if equipment and tools are made available

Agriculture is the way to provide food and reduce poverty among our people

JUBA, South Sudan, December 21, 2021/APO Group/ --

The Ministry of Agriculture in Western Bahr-el-Ghazal State has urged youth in the area to pursue farming to become more self-sufficient.

This challenge has been made easier by Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, following their handover of seeds, fruit seedlings and two generators to power irrigation systems.

“Agriculture is the way to provide food and reduce poverty among our people,” said Daniel Akuang, Minister of Agriculture, at the ceremony, adding that farmers are keen to move on to mechanized and more productive farming if equipment and tools are made available.

Colonel Selim Azad, commander of the Bangladeshi contingent in Wau, drew parallels between South Sudan and his home country.

“The way we became an independent country in 1971 is similar to the way South Sudan has achieved its liberation, and agricultural equipment and seeds will no doubt the country to move forward,” he said.

Representing the peacekeeping mission’s field office in Wau, Erasmus Migyikra was equally optimistic.

“If the youth of South Sudan can put all the energy they invest in fighting into agricultural activity their country is bound to develop and prosper,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).