Fashoda official says agricultural pests destroying crops

The agriculture department in Fashoda County of Upper Nile has warned of a lack of pesticides in the county, which could threaten this year’s agricultural season.

The agriculture department in Fashoda County of Upper Nile has warned of a lack of pesticides in the county, which could threaten this year’s agricultural season.

Fashoda County is situated on the left bank of the Nile in the northern part of South Sudan. The area cultivates sorghum, maize and beans as well as other crops.

Kur Nyiobuk, acting director in the county agriculture department, told Radio Tamazuj that extensive acres of sorghum were affected by pests in mechanized projects, about 15 kilometres from Fashoda town.

He pointed out that agricultural pests including worms have invaded the crops.

The official predicted that pests will affect crops due to delay of delivery of pesticides from the state government in Malakal.

Kur also expected a food gap owing to the influx of internally displaced persons in the area due to the ongoing conflict in Upper Nile region.