Governor Tong oversees launch of harvest season at Aweil Rice Scheme

AWEIL – The governor of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Tong Akeen Ngor on Thursday launched the harvest of the Aweil Rice Scheme.

Accompanied by a delegation of cabinet ministers and other senior state government officials,, Governor Tong visited the Aweil Rice Scheme, located adjacent to the ministry of agriculture’s former premises.

There, he witnessed the preparation of tractors and other farming implements, symbolizing the commencement of the harvesting season.

Speaking to the gathered farmers, Tong emphasized the importance of rice cultivation in addressing the state’s food security concerns. He commended their dedication and encouraged them to expand their rice production efforts.

“We are committed to fighting hunger on all fronts,” Governor Tong asserted. “Rice farming holds immense potential to mitigate food insecurity in our state, and we will provide the necessary support to empower our farmers to achieve their full potential.”

Despite the challenges faced by rice farmers, including the scarcity of proper tools and implements and the adverse impacts of climate change on crop yields, Governor Tong said he remains optimistic about the future of rice production in Northern Bahr El Ghazal.

“We acknowledge the difficulties faced by our rice farmers,” he acknowledged. “However, we are determined to overcome these obstacles and ensure that rice production thrives in our state.”

For his part, Minister of Agriculture Anei Deng Akok echoed Governor Tong’s sentiments, highlighting the challenges faced by local rice farmers and emphasizing the need for increased support.

“Our rice farmers are facing significant challenges, including a lack of proper tools and implements and the unpredictability of weather patterns,” Minister Akok stated. “We must address these issues head-on to ensure the success of our rice cultivation efforts.”

The Aweil Rice Scheme, a longstanding national project, represents a lifeline for the state’s food security. The state government has always reiterate that it is committed to enhancing its productivity to provide sustenance for its citizens.

“The Aweil Rice Scheme is a cornerstone of our agricultural development strategy,” Governor Tong affirmed. “We will continue to invest in its growth and expansion, ensuring that it plays a pivotal role in eradicating hunger in Northern Bahr El Ghazal.”