Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state have begun harvesting 700 acres of rice at a flagship agricultural scheme, officials said Wednesday.
The harvest at the Aweil Rice Scheme was launched Tuesday by Deputy Governor Tong Lual Ayat.
State Agriculture Minister Garang Chan Atak said the work commenced on a plot of nearly 100 acres cultivated by Mary Ayen Mayardit, the wife of President Salva Kiir.
“The farmers we support as the ministry have managed to cultivate 400 acres, the state government has achieved 100 acres, and we have another farmer who cultivated 100 acres. This brings us to a total of 700 acres,” Atak told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday.
The project involves both mechanized and traditional harvesting.
Luka Akol Akol, secretary-general of the Aweil Rice Farmers group, said some crews are using combine harvesters while others use sickles.
Christopher Anei Deng, executive director of the local group Action for Youth Aid & Development, urged more South Sudanese to engage in agriculture.
“I call upon all South Sudanese to focus on agriculture because it is the backbone of the nation,” he said. “By embarking on farming activities, we will fight hunger in the country.”
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, continues to face severe food insecurity driven by conflict, economic instability and climate shocks.