Aweil North farmers blame poor harvest on drought, pests

By Hou Akot Hou

Farmers of Aweil North County in Northern Bahr el Ghazal have blamed this year’s poor harvest on drought and pests that state officials in the ministry of agriculture did not take action on.

Garang Deng Lual, a local farmer in Malual North payam told Juba Echo that he planted a variety crops that wilted due to drought and pests.

He said most farmers who planted sorghum and maize are counting losses due to poor harvests amid biting hunger in the state.

UN agencies already warned this year, that Northern Bahr el Ghazal is among the most food insecure states. This year’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Report, says more than 7 million people will face hunger in South Sudan.

Another local farmer Achol Garang Kur, said the situation was made worse due to lack of pesticides.

Chan Kuach, Director of Agriculture in the State Ministry of Agriculture, said they were never informed by the farmers about the pesticides.

He said they will dispatch a team to ascertain the type of pests.

The farmers’ union in Aweil Center is being supported by Welthungerhilfe an international organization with extension services to improve their yields.