Farmers in Yei River County of Central Equatoria State said they have recorded high crop yields this year’s first agricultural season.
Emmanuel Loburi, a farmer in Yei, said: “This season, I planted maize and the harvest is really good and motivating. I am requesting the government to restore peace so that more farmers can return to produce enough food to reduce food shortages.”
Emelia Dudu, another farmer, attributed the improved crop yields to early farming and the timely distribution of farm implements and seeds by non-governmental organisations operating in the county.
He urged farmers to prepare their farmlands ahead of the next cultivation season to fight food insecurity and avoid depending on food aid.
Emelia Dudu Kenyi, the assistant county commissioner for agriculture, said a recent crop harvest assessment survey conducted by her department revealed that farmers in the county recorded good harvests of grains, vegetables and legumes.
“I did a survey and discovered good harvests of crops such as maize, groundnuts and vegetables. I also want to confirm that food prices in markets have also reduced compared to the past months. I urge farmers not to sell all crops for fear of food insecurity and hunger at family levels,” she said.