By Ijoo Bosco
Officials from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have briefed Torit Caretaker Commissioner and Mayor Eddy William Ponsiano.
The address focused on launching and handing over a newly completed milk centre in Torit Municipality, scheduled for 25 August.
The FAO delegation, led by James Swokiri, Coordinator of the organisation’s Torit Field Office, paid a courtesy visit to the caretaker commissioner to discuss the centre’s planned opening and its expected benefits to local communities.
Swokiri said the milk centre is expected to create a market for livestock keepers within Torit Municipality and neighbouring payams, while also providing quality and accessible milk services to residents and visitors.
He said FAO has already trained many people who will be responsible for preserving milk and providing equitable and conducive services at the centre.
According to Swokiri, the facility will contribute to improving the livelihoods of communities engaged in livestock production while strengthening access to milk products within Torit.
Receiving the delegation, Caretaker Commissioner Eddy William Ponsiano welcomed the initiative, expressing appreciation for FAO’s development support to communities in the municipality.
Ponsiano said the opening of the milk centre will provide a reliable market for livestock keepers within Torit and surrounding areas.
He urged FAO to use the Torit centre as a base for expanding its activities and establishing additional branches across the municipality.
The caretaker commissioner also called on communities in the Payams bordering Torit and neighbouring counties to organise local milk collection points, allowing FAO to reach producers in villages and purchase milk on a daily basis.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the local livestock value chain, create market opportunities for producers and improve access to fresh milk for consumers in Torit.