UN distributes vegetable seeds to Wau farmers

The Farmers' Union in Western Bahr el Ghazal State received multiple packages of vegetable seeds from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Bangladesh battalion in Wau on Tuesday. 

The seeds included eggplant, okra, onions, beans, tomatoes, and equipment like hoes, hooks, and fishing nets. 

While receiving the materials at the union's office, Dr. Natale Masmino, chairperson of the union thanked the UN and called on partners and people of goodwill to support farmers with modern equipment, pesticides, and training to boost agricultural production in the state. 

“These seeds may not cover all the farmers but in our plan, we are going to sort out farmers and cooperatives who are very active, and based on that we will be able to distribute those seeds and tools,” said Masmino.

“I believe farmers in particular Western Bahr El Ghazal are going through a lot of challenges. One is the issue to do with local hands cultivation and cutting of trees because we have a dense forest,” he said.

Natale noted that in the dry season, farmers lack enough water for farming. 

“The other challenge is a source of water during the dry season and these are some of the challenges affecting farmers because they cannot grow vegetation during the dry season,” he added.

On his part, Lt. Col. Synthia Samim, the Civil-military coordinator for Bangladesh Battalion in Wau urged the farmers to utilize the seeds to provide the needed vegetables in the state. 

“We are here because obtaining food security is one of the most important factors in South Sudan to build up this capacity and obtain food security. Bangladesh Battalion Five is always providing help from the ministry up to the grassroots level,” she said. “So based on this, we are here to support you. We are part of you, we want to support you by giving you some fishing materials, some vegetable and fruit seeds, and also some tools and equipment which will help you to grow the crops.”