Kuol Manyang urges citizens to engage in agricultural activities

BOR – South Sudan’s senior presidential advisor, Kuol Manyang Juuk, on Thursday issued a call for citizens to actively engage in agricultural endeavors within the country.

Speaking during a harvest event held at Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology in Bor, Kuol highlighted South Sudan’s prevalent food insecurity, attributing it to the population’s reluctance to participate in agricultural activities.

“We think that rice is something to be brought from outside, but it can be planted, and I have seen that it can be planted here and I comment the University and Korean army unit that have taken up this initiative and want to encourage our people to integrate into farming,” he said.

“Jonglei is suffering from flood and rice grows in water so there is no need of saying sorghum failed, we need to buy technology and apply. So, our universities and our states have to learn from universities,” he added.

Pointing to Jonglei’s flood-prone situation, Kuol underscored the potential for rice cultivation in flooded areas, advocating for the adoption of agricultural technology.

“Instead of lamenting sorghum failures, we should invest in technology. Our universities and states should learn and apply these methods,” he urged.

Emphasizing the country’s fertile soil, Kuol stressed the need for concerted efforts to harness its potential, stating that South Sudanese often mask laziness with claims of insecurity.

“Insecurity exists everywhere, not just in Juba. We shouldn’t confine ourselves to Juba. It’s prevalent even in places like Kenya. We mustn’t be deterred by it,” he asserted.

Addressing criminal gangs, Kuol proposed a redirection of their efforts towards farming by providing training and resources, channeling their energy into productive agricultural activities.

“These gangs [Toronto] should be trained on how to farm. They rob people because they want money, they want something to eat. Take them to where they will produce and release their own resourcefulness,” he added.

Once a governor of Jonglei, Kuol urged the citizens there to optimize floodwater, emphasizing its potential benefits rather than focusing solely on its disadvantages.