Lack of funds hindering rice production at Aweil scheme

Inadequate funding is hindering production at Aweil Rice Scheme in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, a government official said.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Madut Agai Deng, the Aweil rice scheme manager confirmed that it is the appropriate cultivation time, but funds to support the operation process are unavailable.

“Last year, of course, production collapsed after rains swamped all hectares. But this year, we are hoping the scheme will produce much if we get support such as oil, spare parts and salaries for the staff. This is a good time for commencement of cultivation,” he said.

Madut urged both the national and state governments to release reasonable amounts of money to ensure that the project gets a lifeline.

Aweil Rice Scheme is a national rice project established during the 1950s.