South Sudan to allocate 10% of budget to agriculture sector

JUBA – South Sudan’s government has pledged to allocate 10% of the national budget to the agriculture sector in the upcoming 2024-2025 fiscal year, a significant increase from previous years.

Finance Minister Awow Daniel Chuang announced the commitment during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, where he faced questions about the country’s worsening food insecurity.

“By allocating 10% to the Ministry of Agriculture, we aim to boost food production in the country,” Chuang said. “This will provide them with the resources they require.”

Chuang confirmed that the proposed budget for 2024-2025 already reflects the increased allocation for agriculture.

“This budget has been increased, and I will be presenting it to parliament soon,” he stated.

He explained that the budget proposal underwent adjustments, particularly regarding agricultural funding.

“Previously, agriculture received insufficient budgetary allocation. However, this year, we have raised it to 10%,” Chuang said.

These comments come amidst criticism from Agriculture and Food Security Minister Josephine Lagu Yanga, who revealed that the ministry had been operating for over four years with no capital budget allocation.

South Sudan’s agricultural sector has long been neglected despite its vast agricultural potential. The government’s previous allocation hovered around just 1% of the national budget for the past four fiscal years.

The increased budgetary allocation for agriculture represents a potential turning point for the sector.

However, it remains to be seen if this commitment translates into tangible improvements in food production and food security in South Sudan.