By Jacob Onuha Nelson
The National Ministry of Agriculture and food security has officially launched the National Rice strategy 2024-2030 to transform agricultural sector in the country.
In a statement issued on Friday by the ministry, Lily Albino Akol, Deputy Minister of Agriculture underscored the launch had marked the beginning of a focused on national effort to strengthen rice value chains and empower farmers.
“This launch marks the beginning of a focused national effort to strengthen rice value chains, empower farmers, and ensure that rice becomes a key driver of economic growth and food security in the years ahead,” the statement partly read.
The statement emphasized that the launch under the theme “join the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD” 2024–2030, marking a major milestone in South Sudan’s agricultural transformation journey.
“It aims to boost national rice production, strengthen farmer capacity through training and technology, and reduce reliance on imported milled rice to save foreign exchange and support local markets” the statement partly read.
Albino further highlighted that the government is commitment to strengthening food systems and empowering farmers.
The statement also stressed that the explained the importance of rice as both a staple food and an economic opportunity, noting that the strategy provides a clear roadmap for achieving national food security and reducing reliance on imports.
According to the statement, in addition to developing diverse rice varieties and expanding production areas nationwide, South Sudan would take another significant step forward.
Additionally, the statement stated that the country would officially join the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD), aligning itself with other African nations committed to accelerating rice production.
It also emphasized that the Ministry extends its deep appreciation to all development partners, particularly JICA and FAO, whose sustained technical and financial support had been instrumental in shaping this strategy.
South Sudan is presenting four investment cases aimed at increasing production and productivity and improving food security and nutrition.
These efforts align with the government’s strategy to transform South Sudan’s agriculture and livestock into a thriving sector and a driving force for inclusive growth and economic diversification.
The focus areas include increasing sorghum production, enhancing storage and processing capacities, boosting rice production and commercialization through the Aweil Rice Scheme (ARS).
Additionally, improving meat production from cattle and small ruminants, increasing milk and poultry production, processing, and commercialization, and expanding the capacity and value of capture fisheries to meet the growing demand in domestic and export markets.
These investments are critical for addressing key bottlenecks in the transformation of the agriculture sector.
They form the main pillars of value chain development initiatives, including the investment cases presented at last year’s forum, which focused on sorghum, sesame, rice, and fisheries.