Ahou Deng Kuot, manager of the Aweil rice scheme in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal region says rice cultivation has reduced due to the ongoing conflict in the country.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Kuot stated the civil war that erupted in December 2013 has negative affected rice plantation in the state, saying many investors fled due to instability in the country.

He pointed out that rice cultivation has reduced by 80% last year. However, he confirmed the government’s commitment to improve the scheme despite the current economic crisis.