Western Equatoria state has set a target to be food sufficient and hunger free by 2015.

“My state is promising to be a food basket for South Sudan — by selling its agricultural products to other states,” says Governor Joseph Bakosoro.

“And I would like just to encourage all South Sudanese to turn their attention from oil to agriculture.

“We cannot continue only looking for product that will bring us trouble every time with the Sudan government.”

The Governor told Eye Radio that modern technology is needed to meet the targets, and the state is hoping for funding to enable it to boost its agricultural outputs.

“Let South Sudan produces its own food, because of that we are also trying to respect that order and that’s why we are emphasizing to the public to produce more food.”

Governor Bakosoro also said that institutions in the state, such as schools, are participating in the plans to ensure food security.