Some 121 progressive farmers in South Sudan are set for bountiful harvest at the end of this planting season thanks to a variety of high-value seeds that the International Trade Centre (ITC) distributed to the growers across different locations in Juba County in Central Equatoria State.
The 250-gram packets of seeds were distributed between 27 February and 4 March 2024 in Gondokoro, Lokiliri, Luri, and Rajaf based on requests made by the farmers after completing several training courses and receiving one-on-one mentorship under the South Sudan Jobs Creation and Trade Development (SSJCTD) project which started in September 2020.
Samuel Pitia, 38, from Aru Junction village in Central Equatoria State is one of the farmers who received some of the seeds. He has farmed since he was a child, and his income relies entirely on his crops.
He says relying on farming in South Sudan is a challenge due to ever-changing weather conditions as dry seasons can last longer than usual, with up to six months without rain.
However, farmers and producers are adapting by changing the way they farm and conduct their agribusiness, after being trained and coached by ITC.
‘I had an opportunity to learn good agricultural practices like water harvesting, which improved my production. And with the free tillage service recently provided, I have been able to expand the size of my farmland and earn more income as a result,’ Pitia said.
‘Seeds are very expensive in the market and sometimes are of poor quality making it very hard for many of us to afford. With the high-value and quality seeds distributed to us today, I will be able to produce more, meet the needs of my big family, and also give employment opportunities to the people in my community,’ he added.
Securing good seeds
Another is Hellen Poni, a 34- year-old widow and a producer of fruits and vegetables from Gondokoro village in Central Equatoria State, also expects the seeds to boost her income. She owns a three-acre farm in her village and one of her main challenges has been the inability to secure good seeds.
‘With the provision of these seeds, I will be able to grow in all my three acres without worrying of shortage,’ she said.
They are among the 121 progressive identified farmers and selected to receive seeds, including 78 women and 54 youths.
The seeds which include watermelon, eggplant, sweet pepper, carrot, onion, tomato, cabbage, sukuma, and green chili seeds have been supplied just before the rainy season so that the farmers can prepare their nursery beds and fields in time.
The high-value seeds are also expected to maximize crop yields with minimal damage to the environment, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the farmers’ fields, improved production and increased sales in the market.
SSJCTD project
ITC has been implementing the SSJCTD project since September 2020 with the objective of improving the livelihoods of South Sudanese farmers across different project locations.
Funded by the European Union, this project aims to increase the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and employment opportunities for the South Sudanese population engaged in the fruit and vegetable subsector.
