A video-captured photo shows women crossing the 8-hectare rice field. | Photo: Eye Radio/SSBC

Warrap State government on Tuesday launched an extensive rice plantation in Akon South Payam of Gogrial West County.

The state Ministry of Agriculture introduces the rice plantation which started with the cultivation of 8.4 hectares of land in the flood-prone region.

Kuajok is reportedly set to embark on planting climate-resistant including rice and cassava among others.

Speaking to state television SSBC, Gogrial West Commissioner Victor Wek Koor appealed to the youth and local leaders to prevent cattle from destroying the government farms.

“I am calling upon youth and chiefs and cattle herders that we must cooperate with the farmers, guard your livestock and prevent them from spoiling the farms,” Wek said.

“This project was established here in the region to boost agriculture, and I repeat my appeal to the cattlemen not to let the cattle eat the crops because this project belongs to the government.”

“The first task of the government currently in the country is agriculture and the construction of roads so that we can transport products from bomas and counties to states.”

Gogrial West has been submerged throughout the four years of South Sudan seasonal floods – leaving thousands in dire humanitarian situations.

But the government now plans to capitulate on the situation as flooding in rice fields improves the growth of most varieties, reduces vulnerability to uneven rainfall, and produces higher yields relative to dry soils by reducing pests and weeds.