State handed vital machinery for mechanized shift
Western Equatoria State officials confirmed the arrival of two tractors supplied by South Sudan’s national Ministry of Agriculture. Delivered in 2024, the machines form part of a wider four-tractor allocation designed to kick-start large-scale cultivation across the fertile region.
Minister Gbafu outlines ambitious cultivation drive
“Next year, we will embark seriously on agriculture to boost farming in Western Equatoria, produce more food and reduce suffering,” State Agriculture Minister Letecia Gbafu told reporters in Yambio. She said the tractors will be accessible to individual growers and groups handling extensive acreage.
Rental model and training to maximise impact
Director General Mariano Erneo Mangu explained that the state agriculture department will manage bookings, offer farmer training and rent the tractors to cooperatives. He advised growers to reserve equipment early and prepare land in January before the rains.
Inspectors call for fair access and oversight
Senior agriculture inspector Santo Babala warned that only disciplined supervision, equitable scheduling and technical back-up can translate horsepower into higher yields. He stressed that transparent monitoring will be essential to prevent misuse and ensure productivity gains.
Food security hopes ride on upcoming season
Western Equatoria is widely viewed as South Sudan’s breadbasket. Officials believe the new machinery will cut labour time, open previously untilled plots and reinforce household food stocks. The initiative aligns with national plans to reduce reliance on hand tools and strengthen rural livelihoods.