South Sudan has sought assistance from Bangladesh on the possibility of starting contract farming. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen proposed that both sides might conclude agreements in the areas like Deng Dau Deng Malek, South Sudan deputy minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation agriculture, including contract farming, visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passport, promotion and protection of investment, cooperation in trade and bilateral consultations between foreign ministries of both countries.
“We have more than six lakh square kilometers of land, most of which lies fallow with no crops grown there and we would like Bangladesh’s assistance in cultivating this land,” said Deng Dau Deng.
Potential
Agriculture Minister Md Abdur Razzaque said Bangladesh will send a team of multi-sector specialists including agro researchers, scientists, and agricultural extension officials there to examine the potential.
Bangladesh and South Sudan governments have been discussing for quite a while now, agricultural production in Sudan on lands owned by their government or by leasing Khas land there. Private entrepreneurs in Bangladesh have also expressed interest and government is considering the issue with high importance.
“We will also invite private entrepreneurs if they want to invest in South Sudan’s agricultural sector. The government will take all the initiative, including sending laborers there. We want to utilize Bangladesh’s success and experience in the agricultural sector. We also want to produce our needed food, and export as well, producing crops on our vast fallow lands,” he said.
