The National Minister of Public Service, Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro, has urged government officials to prioritize farming as a crucial focus.
While working on his farm on Monday morning, Minister Bakosoro emphasized the need for government employees, civil society, citizens, women, and all stakeholders to recognize the significance of agriculture in preventing food scarcity.
“We consistently rely on food imports, despite the fact that South Sudan possesses fertile land and receives sufficient rainfall. It is essential for government employees to prioritize agriculture to ensure we do not become slaves to hunger,” urged Bakosoro during an interview with Radio Tamazuj.
On Monday morning, Minister Bakosoro, accompanied by his family, visited his farm spanning nearly five acres, cultivating maize and groundnuts. Located in Kumbo Bangi along Sukure road, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the farm primarily caters to the needs of his family.
Bakosoro emphasized that such cultivation would help reduce the expenses incurred from purchasing food items in the market. Highlighting the abundance of fertile land in South Sudan, the Minister of Public Service expressed concern over the lack of priority given to agriculture.
As the former governor of Western Equatoria State, Bakosoro appealed for support from the Ministry of Agriculture and individuals investing in agricultural ventures. Overjoyed by the progress of his crops, he expressed his delight while observing the growth on his farm.
Despite the huge agricultural potential South Sudan possesses, only about 5 percent of the country’s arable land is reportedly cultivated.