By Jackson Gaaniko
The Governor of Western Equatoria State, Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, in partnership with the Azande Kingdom, on Wednesday officially launched a fleet of tractors in Yambio.
This marked a major step toward modernizing agriculture and strengthening food security in the state.
The launch ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, church representatives, and community members, highlighting strong collaboration between public institutions, traditional authorities, and international partners.
The tractors, along with agricultural processing machines, were donated by China and handed over earlier this year in Juba to His Majesty Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue.
The equipment is intended to support large-scale mechanized farming across the Azande Kingdom, a region known for its fertile land and strong agricultural potential.
Governor Rimbasa emphasized the importance of the initiative, describing it as a transformative step for the state’s agricultural sector.
“This is a key step in transforming agriculture in our state. The tractors will enhance farming efficiency, reduce manual labour, and help communities increase crop yields. By supporting mechanized farming, we aim to reduce hunger, strengthen livelihoods, and encourage youth involvement in agriculture,” he said.
He also stressed the need for community participation and ownership, urging farmers to organize themselves into cooperatives and adopt year-round farming practices.
“For this initiative to succeed, farmers must embrace these tools, organize cooperatives, and plan for continuous production. The government is committed to providing technical support, training, and access to markets,” he added.
King Atoroba also called on citizens to make effective use of the equipment, underscoring the central role of agriculture in the community.
“Farming is the backbone of our community. I urge our people to work the land, produce enough food, and reduce dependence on imports. With these tractors, we have the tools to feed our families and generate income,” he said.
The machinery is expected to support the cultivation of key crops such as maize, cassava, groundnuts, and vegetable staples widely consumed in the region.
Agricultural experts note that mechanization will not only improve productivity but also enable farmers to expand the size of cultivated land and increase overall harvests.
Local farmers who attended the event expressed optimism about the initiative.
Mary Juma, a farmer from Yambio, said the tractors would significantly reduce labour and improve output.
“These tractors will save time and effort. We can now prepare larger fields and grow more crops, which means more food and income for our families,” she said.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Western Equatoria State government to modernize agriculture, improve food security, and drive economic growth.
It aligns with national priorities to reduce poverty, enhance nutrition, and create employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women in rural areas.
Officials confirmed that training sessions on tractor operation, maintenance, and sustainable farming practices will begin in the coming weeks to ensure the effective use of the equipment.
This partnership between the state government, the Azande Kingdom, and international partners reflects a growing commitment to using mechanized agriculture as a solution to hunger, poverty, and economic development in Western Equatoria State.