The Ministry of Agriculture in the Abyei Special Area Administrative (ASAA) warned that the area will face hunger because the rains started late in May.
According to Deng Goch, the director general in the agriculture ministry, delayed rains and inadequate preparations by his ministry will lead to a hunger gap.
“The Ministry of Agriculture did not start its preparatory work early for farming as it was the case last year, when tractors were in good condition because maintenance started in January 2024,” he explained. “This year, we only have one tractor ready; however, it is also lacking some small spare parts which could have just been bought in Amiet Market.”
Goch added that it rained too much on Tuesday, raising concerns that floods would affect crops.
“The town is now full of rain water because yesterday (Tuesday) it rained twice, it was too much and this caused floods,” he stated. “We expected rain in early May, but it fluctuated in some areas. Some people prepared their gardens early will have to do it again because they dried up and are now flooded.”
The official also revealed that his ministry faced many challenges, including the delayed distribution of seeds, which they thought would be provided by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Meanwhile, Yousuf Lal Mayom, a farmer in Abyei, confirmed that the rains were delayed and urged local farmers not to depend on organizations for assistance.
“This year, the rains are inadequate, and it has rained twice, on Monday and Tuesday, so some people have not even cultivated their farms up to now. Last year, rains started early in May, and that is why there were good harvests,” he said. “God willing, people will cultivate if the rains continue, because without rain, citizens will not survive.”
“The Ministry of Agriculture did not distribute seeds, so I encourage everyone to strive to buy seeds in the market,” he added.