Central Equatoria State has cancelled its groundnuts seed-bulking project, citing climatic change.
The state made the announcement on Thursday saying climate change risked affecting the crop.
The State Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Forestry last month presented a memo at the Council of Ministers detailing the groundnuts seed bulk pilot project. The project was to supply farmers from the eastern part of the state, especially Lokiliri and Liriya.
The Cabinet selected groundnut as a special crop for this season. However, Gerald Francis, the Minister for Peace Building, told reporters that the Cabinet cancelled the project after realizing that it was too late, saying that the season was no longer suitable for the crop.
“About the groundnuts supply to our farmers, yes, this was the initial position of our government and also the intent of the ministry. But, due to the climatic change, we have had to change,” he said.
Francis disclosed that the funds meant for the project would now be used for training farmers, mechanics and tractors operators. “Now for them (eastern farmers), it is late. Therefore, this will not work. That is why we have decided, as a council, to redirect the funds. We will train our mechanics and truck operators so that we will be ready to face the next season in full swing,” he concluded.