The Kuei and Rup intellectuals Global Forum (KARIGF) on Monday distributed ten ox-plows to the three communities of Rup, Kuei, and Pakam of Rumbek Central and Rumbek North Counties as a sign of peaceful co-existence after many years of deadly inter-communal conflicts.
The ceremony was attended by chiefs from the three communities and state officials from Rumbek Central and Rumbek North counties.
The Director-General of the state ministry of agriculture and forestry, Mabor Kau Lam, said the distribution of ox-plows is to motivate the vulnerable groups who are badly affected by inter-communal conflicts and boost agricultural productivity.
“Today, we were having a program of 10 ox-plows tools distribution to the farming communities of Rumbek Central and Rumbek North counties. I can say that 80 percent of the communities in Lakes State live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. They have limited resources with ineffective traditional farming tools, so it is an initiative to change their mindset through food production,” Mabor said.
He said the ox-plows will engage the youth in agricultural productivity and stop cyclic violence in the state.
“Farmer groups and formally registered cooperatives can play a vital role in the agricultural transformation and we tell them that group farming can help farmers to increase their profits and facilitate access to markets and credit facilities,” Mabor said. “So, it is a prerogative of the ministry of agriculture to engage the farmers so that they maximize their production and productivity in the agricultural sector.”
The acting chairperson of KARIGF in Rumbek, Zechariah Kuoi Majak, said that the distribution of the ox-plows is a sign of maintaining peaceful co-existence between the three communities of Pakam, Kuei and Rup of Rumbek Central and Rumbek North counties of Lakes State.
Kuoi said each Payam of the three communities will receive two ox-plows for the most vulnerable groups, chiefs, and Gelwong youth leaders who are now maintaining peace in the community.
“The five Payams of Rumbek Central County which includes Malek have received two, Mayom two, Matangai two, Jiir one, and Amongpiny Payam with one. Meanwhile, Rumbek North County receives only two ox-plow tools,” Kuoi said.
The paramount chief of Matangai Payam, Marial Wetnhiak Manyiel said that they have received their ox-plows and that this will help in both human and food security.
“There will be no one who leaves behind cultivation and goes for stealing cattle or to kill someone for revenge. So, my message to South Sudanese who are listening to my voice is that let us stop fighting each other and live in peace for everyone to cultivate. Let us fight hunger and not ourselves,” Sultan Marial said.