Twic Farmers Urged to Embrace Irrigation Amid Crop Losses Due to Rain Shortages

Dried crops on a farm in Twic County, Warrap State, South Sudan. (Image Credit: Majok Kuol / Twic Media Reports)

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Twic Farmers Urged to Embrace Irrigation Amid Crop Losses Due to Rain Shortages

A shortage of rainfall across Twic County has caused crops to wither, leaving farmers with significant losses, particularly those farming in semi-arid areas.

Jackson Yach Ayuel, Director for Agriculture in Twic County, said crops planted early have been affected by the prolonged dry conditions and crop pests.
Dried crops farm in Twic County, Warrap State, (image credit: Majok Kuol / Twic Media Reports)
Dried crops on a farm in Twic County, Warrap State, South Sudan. (Image Credit: Majok Kuol / Twic Media Reports)

He noted that farmers cultivating near swampy areas have been less affected by the shortage of rainfall compared to those farming in semi-arid areas, where crops are more vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions.

Ayuel said rice farming could still be successful, particularly for rice that has already germinated ahead of the expected floods. However, rice that has failed to germinate or is yet to germinate may not survive when the floods arrive.

He has urged farmers to embrace irrigation, especially in areas near swamps and other water sources, to sustain crop production and help prevent severe food shortages across the county.
Dried crops on a farm in Twic County, Warrap State, South Sudan. (Image Credit: Majok Kuol / Twic Media Reports)
Dried crops on a farm in Twic County, Warrap State, South Sudan. (Image Credit: Majok Kuol / Twic Media Reports)