By Jackson Gaaniko
The Azande Kingdom has launched a major agricultural initiative aimed at planting 35,000 palm oil trees to promote farming, create employment opportunities, and support economic growth in the region.
The launch took place on Saturday at the Royal Palace in Bazungua, Western Equatoria State, under the leadership of His Royal Majesty King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue.
The initiative is designed to strengthen agricultural production, particularly in palm oil cultivation, which is expected to support the production of cooking oil, soap, cosmetics, processed foods, and other industrial products.
Organisers say the project is also aimed at reducing poverty by encouraging value addition and expanding income-generating activities.
King Atoroba said the program is intended to inspire households across the kingdom to engage more actively in farming and tree planting as a sustainable source of livelihood. He emphasised that agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy and urged young people to embrace farming as a path toward self-reliance and development.
The initiative was also attended by the Prime Minister of the Azande Kingdom, who reaffirmed support for the project, noting that it would contribute to improved food security and expanded economic opportunities for communities within the state.
According to organisers, the project will be implemented in phases, with communities encouraged to scale up palm oil cultivation across Western Equatoria State as part of a broader effort to transform agriculture into a driver of local development.