Agricultural Trade Show Concludes in Yei River County (PHOTOS)

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – An agriculture trade show has ended in Yei River County in Central Equatoria State, with farmers and local officials calling for stronger support to increase food production in South Sudan. The event took place on Thursday at the Yei Youth Gardens and brought together farmers, local authorities and development partners.

The trade show aimed to promote local food production, display farmer produce and improve marketing opportunities. Organisers said the event also highlighted the potential for food sufficiency in Yei River County, an area widely known for its fertile land and reliable rainfall.

Amos Taban, a farmer who took part in the show, said he was encouraged by the harvests recorded this season. He said the event helped farmers to share experiences and find new opportunities.

“This agriculture show is important for us the farmers in Yei and South Sudan. It helps us to network as farmers and help us understand our challenges as farmers and it also exposes us into market linkages and new ways of value addition into our agriculture produce,” Taban said.

Another farmer, Gibson Lubari from Otogo Payam, praised the organisers and development partners for supporting farmers with tools and seeds. He said the event allowed farmers to present organic produce and engage directly with buyers.

“I am happy for this event; we came here to show our organic farm produce. I also want to thank the organizations which supported this event, and we still call on them to continue supporting farmers with quality seeds, farm implements, storage facilities, value addition and linkage to national and regional markets,” Lubari said.

Edward Lemi, a farmer based in Gimunu, also welcomed the role played by civil society groups in organising the event. He said agriculture in Yei needed peace, security and sustained public investment to reach its full potential.

“Yei is a food basket for South Sudan and what we want as farmers is peace and security, financial support, storage facilities, markets, good roads and modern production factories and industries in Yei County,” Lemi said.

Local authorities said farming remains central to reducing hunger and poverty in the county. Asiki Isaac, the Director of Agriculture in Yei River County, thanked farmers and partners for helping to boost food production this year. He said the county government remains committed to supporting agriculture projects.

“I am happy because today marks the end of this year’s agricultural trade show in Yei River County and I encourage us all to work together and motivate farmers during such events which are organized annually,” Asiki said. He urged farmers to remain committed to farming as a way to address food insecurity at household level.

The event was organised through a partnership of local institutions and development groups working in Yei River County, as shown below.

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Yei River County lies within South Sudan’s green belt and is known for fertile soils suitable for food crops. Local leaders say continued investment in agriculture, security and infrastructure could help the county play a stronger role in feeding the country and supporting national food stability.