Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The national Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has officially handed over modern agricultural infrastructure and assets to the Aweil Rice Scheme in an effort to revamp the agricultural scheme.
The facilities include a state-of-the-art agricultural research center equipped with modern laboratory equipment, a weather station, a seed storage facility, and a 26.5-kilometer internal road network within the rice scheme.
Other assets were boreholes and water yards, alongside a 22-feddan demonstration site designated for adaptive trials of rice varieties currently under research for cultivation on the scheme.
The Aweil Rice Scheme – photo credit: Office of the Governor, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State
Speaking at the event, MAFS Deputy Minister Hon. Lily Akol said that these assets are a result of a project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented by FAO.
Akol expressed the government’s gratitude for the continuous partnership with FAO and its implementation of two key projects funded by the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
“On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and the Government of South Sudan, I want to say we are very thankful to FAO for handing over the research center, seed store, the 26-kilometer road within the scheme, boreholes, motorbikes, and many more,” she said.
Deputy Minister Akol emphasized that rehabilitating the rice scheme is a gradual process, but the progress has been significant. “It may look small now, but the progress is significant. Every year, we see results, and they are enough to keep us moving forward,” she added.
Meanwhile, FAO Country Representative Meshack Malo called on state authorities to take full ownership and care of the newly handed-over assets.
Using a personal analogy, Malo stressed the importance of maintenance: “As we hand over this equipment, I’m reminded of a personal story. Twenty years ago, when I got married, my father-in-law told me to look carefully at the bride to confirm she was beautiful and well taken care of.”
“Today, I ask the same of you,” he continued, “is the research center well-maintained? The seed store? The water yards, roads, weather station, boreholes, admin block, and motorbikes? Deputy Governor, I urge you to take good care of these assets—treat them like a bride who must continue to bear fruit.”
Research centre donated by FAO – Photo credit: Office of the Governor, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State
The asset transfer is part of a $25.9 million initiative from the World Bank and the African Development Bank, designed to increase rice production and commercialisation, according to the FAO.
The project is set to benefit 20,784 smallholder farming households and supports the government’s goal of transforming the country’s agricultural sector.
For More News And Analysis About South-Sudan Follow Africa-Press
