Bad roads have remained a challenge in the distribution of seeds to the farmers in rural areas, Central Equatoria State Minister of Agriculture has announced.

Yesterday, the State Minister of Agriculture, Jacob Lupai, met with representatives of NGOs in Juba to discuss the challenges affecting food security and livelihood of the people and to find a way forward.

Mr. Lupai said donors do not provide farmers with inputs in time because they have their strict rules and regulations.

He said late distribution of seeds affects farmers because once they receive seeds late, they will start cultivation late.

“Roads in the rural areas are so bad such that they affect the distribution of seeds and that means seeds are not distributed timely because of the bad conditions of the roads,” said Mr Lupai.

He also attributed the issue to late procurement of seeds.

“Usually donors, have their own rules and regulations and this affects procurement of inputs. As a result these inputs arrive late to the farmers. And as we know agriculture is a timely activity.”