Experts say rice farming contributes to lower cost of production in terms of labour and water saving, and produce higher yields.
Courtesy image
Eastern Equatoria State authorities are urging residents of Lafon County to focus on agriculture to boost food security.
During Governor Louis Lobong Lojore’s visit to the county
over the weekend, Minister of Information and government spokesperson John Elia
Ahaji stated that the visit aimed to assess local activities and understand the
challenges faced by the community.
The authorities emphasized the need for self-sufficiency
through agriculture, urging residents to reduce their reliance on unpredictable
humanitarian aid.
“Let us not rely on humanitarian food, let us produce food.
We have the capability even to beat other parts of the states, our land is
fertile, we have the potential to overcome food insecurity and that is the
message,” said Elia.
The residents raised key concerns, including inadequate
health services, recurring food insecurity caused by flooding, poor road
networks connecting payams to the county headquarters, and a weak education
system.
According to the information minister, progress has been
made in addressing some peace-related issues, particularly through dialogue
with the neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area on matters such as child
abduction.
He emphasized the need for cooperation between the government and local communities, noting that sustainable development requires joint efforts, as the government alone cannot meet all the demands.