South Sudan farmers struggling amid gas shortages, hen assaults – Sudans Submit

JUBA – Farmers in South Sudan’s Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA) are dealing with a double whammy of gas shortages and harmful hen assaults, threatening their livelihoods and meals safety.

“We have a fuel crisis. We have bought one barrel of diesel fuel, 250 liters capacity, for 2,400,000 South Sudanese pounds,” mentioned Mading Chol, secretary basic of the farmers’ union in Ruweng.

The excessive value of gas, coupled with restricted availability, is hindering farmers’ means to move their produce to markets and entry important agricultural inputs.

Additionally, swarms of quelea birds are decimating crops, additional exacerbating the challenges confronted by farmers.

“We are begging you as donors to join and together with our government to complete the inland port with the remaining 10 kilometers,” Chol pleaded.

Poor infrastructure, notably the shortage of roads, is compounding the difficulty, making it tough to move items and companies to and from the area.

Zubeida Zaka, appearing chairwoman of Ajuong Thok Refugee Camp, highlighted the impression of flooding on the camp, additional straining assets and meals safety.

“We call on the government and the host community to provide us with more land to extend our farms,” Zaka mentioned.

Malual Jau, deputy paramount chief of Pariang, appealed for assist to fight hen assaults and insecurity within the space, which has additionally disrupted farming actions.

Agriculture Minister Josephine Lagu emphasised the necessity for peace and stability to handle the challenges confronted by farmers.

“We must prioritize efforts to foster peace and stability in our country. Only through a secure environment can we empower our farmers to cultivate their lands and rebuild their livelihoods,” Lagu mentioned.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has pledged to offer aerial spraying to manage the hen inhabitants and shield crops.