Hundreds of farmers across Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have turned up to participate in the ongoing agricultural fair at the Aweil freedom square aimed at promoting local food production to fight hunger in the state and country.
The state agriculture minister, Anei Deng Akook, told Radio Tamazuj Friday that the fair which commenced on Thursday and would last three days is meant to boost local food production and he encouraged every family to cultivate about two hectares of sorghum and other crops.
“We are delighted to hold the agricultural trade fair in the state and the aim is to exhibit local food products in the year 2021,” Minister Deng said. “And farmers came with their different products from all five counties of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.”
He added: “The agricultural policy in the state is that every family must cultivate at least two hectares of dura (sorghum) plus other crops.”
Rebecca Deng, one of the farmers who brought her produce to the agricultural fair, appreciated the state ministry of agriculture and forestry for organizing the event and commended women groups for embracing farming.
“Our participation in this fair is so great and I would like to give appreciation to agriculture minister Anei Deng and I also thank all the farmers, particularly the women farmers, because the most people engaged in the farming are women,” she said.
Another exhibitor at the fair, Garang Marol Mayen, said the agricultural show was important because farmers can learn from each other.
“We have brought all the products such vegetables and seeds of this year. This fair activity is important because it displays what farmers produce to those who don’t know,” Marol explained. “To those who say South Sudan faces hunger, they are lazy people. I thank God I am okay because I am a good farmer and I can eat what I cultivate.”