Agriculture Minister Launches Planting Season at Aweil Rice Scheme
By Patricia John
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Clement Juma Mbugoniwia has officially launched the 2026 planting season at the Aweil Rice Scheme, a flagship project aimed at increasing domestic yields and reducing reliance on food imports.
The launch marks a critical step in state efforts to combat chronic food shortages and meet the rising demand for locally produced crops across South Sudan.
During a visit to Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Mbugoniwia toured the rice fields to inspect farming activities. Addressing farmers, community leaders, and local officials at a community center in Aweil South County, he emphasized the agricultural sector’s vital role in transforming the national economy.
The minister urged farmers to maximize South Sudan’s vast agricultural potential by expanding cultivation and adopting modern farming practices to improve rural livelihoods.
Mbugoniwia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the sector through enhanced agricultural policies, extension services, and targeted investments. Authorities hope that expanding the strategic rice scheme will mitigate regional food insecurity while generating economic opportunities for local communities.
