Sorghum on sale in Rumbek market. (Photo: Yang Ater).

The government of Abyei Special Administrative Area has launched a subsidized sorghum sales program to help reduce rising food prices and improve access to affordable food for households.

Speaking to Eye Radio this morning, Abyei Minister of Information Yohana Akol said the initiative aims to ease the cost of living and strengthen food security during the rainy season.

Under the program, one cylindrical tin container with a capacity of 4 kilograms, locally known as a Malwuo of sorghum, will be sold at a subsidized price of 12,000 South Sudanese Pounds.

The minister said the current market price ranges between 22,000 and 25,000 South Sudanese Pounds.

“This program is part of the Abyei Administration’s efforts to reduce the cost of living for citizens and strengthen food security. Its main objective is to make essential food commodities available at subsidized prices. One Malwa of sorghum is being sold for 12,000 South Sudanese Pounds,” Minister Yohana said.

Akol said the program started in Abyei Municipality and will be extended to all four counties in the administrative area.

In Abyei town, the subsidized sorghum will be sold every Tuesday and Thursday at designated points in Nyinkuac and Molmol markets until August.

“The program launched yesterday will also be implemented in Nyiak County and the other Four counties in the administration. In Abyei town, subsidized sorghum will be sold every Tuesday and Thursday at Nyinkuac and Molmol markets until August. We encourage all citizens to make use of this opportunity,” he added.

He warned traders and individuals against buying subsidized sorghum for resale, saying the program is intended to benefit households struggling with high food prices.

The Ministry of Finance and Planning has allocated 500 sacks of subsidized sorghum under the program, with 100 sacks distributed to each of the five areas: Abyei Municipality, Alal, Ameth Agok, Mijak, and Rumamer counties.

The initiative aims to improve food affordability and support vulnerable households during the planting season.