Yei Farmers Questions Timing of Cocoa Seedling Distribution Plan

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Farmers in Yei River County have expressed concerns over the Central Equatoria State government’s plan to distribute cocoa seedlings, arguing that the initiative is being introduced too late in the planting season.

The State Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development announced on Monday that it plans to distribute 250,000 cocoa seedlings to cooperative and progressive farmers across the state’s six counties as part of efforts to boost agricultural production and promote economic diversification.

While welcoming the initiative, local farmer Hakim Julius said the timing could undermine the project’s success.

“This project will not have much impact because these seedlings are supposed to be distributed and planted around May and June when there is enough rainfall. Planting seedlings towards the upcoming dry season will make it difficult for farmers to sustain them,” Julius said.

Another farmer, Justine Alhaj, echoed similar concerns, warning that the lack of irrigation facilities in rural areas could lead to poor survival rates for the seedlings.

“The ministry should have distributed these seedlings earlier. We feel the project may not achieve the intended results because the planting season has already ended. We do not have irrigation tools and equipment to support dry-season planting and irrigation programmes in rural areas,” Alhaj said.

In response, Yei River County Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Asiki Isaac, acknowledged the concerns raised by farmers but encouraged them to adopt innovative farming practices throughout the year.

Isaac said the county authorities are working closely with the State Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development to ensure the smooth distribution of the seedlings despite the delayed rollout.

The cocoa seedling distribution programme is part of broader efforts by the state government to promote cash crop production, enhance farmers’ incomes, and diversify the local economy beyond traditional subsistence farming.

However, farmers say the success of the initiative will largely depend on timely implementation and support measures, including access to irrigation systems, especially as the region approaches the dry season.