Authorities in South Sudan’s Warrap state said irregular rains have negatively affected crop production, according to surveys carried out by the state agriculture ministry.
Minister Majok Bol Kur said the rains came early in Warrap and Abyei area, but did not continue through the season meaning seeds went to waste.
“There were areas in which rains started early and when people decided to cultivate, it stopped raining regularly,” he explained. “This affected germination and you know that when seeds, which have been planted, failed to germinate, it affects the morale of the farmers and the farmers are frustrated: they go into other businesses and others are
forced to replant.”
Minister Majok said he is working on a strategic plan with development partners to address the situation. He said they are considering stockpiling food in case of shortages while also assisting farmers with drought resistant seeds.
Photo: A farmer plants crops in Warrap state, South Sudan. (Abdullah Ampilan/OXFAM)