Farmers in Torit Town, Eastern Equatoria State, have called on cattle keepers to manage their livestock better and prevent them from entering farms and destroying crops.
On Wednesday, Joseph Lomule, a farmer who cultivates sorghum, voiced his concerns, explaining how pigs and goats are damaging his crops, which threatens his ability to benefit from the harvest.
Lomule emphasized the urgency of the situation: “I am cultivating the short sorghum that will help people because the rains came late this year. But these people with goats must control their animals because it’s affecting our food. The pigs and goats are destroying our sorghum, cassava, and groundnuts. If they are left uncontrolled, we will lose everything.”
Napoleon Luka, the secretary of Hunger Free Farmland, echoed similar frustrations, noting that the crops they grow are essential for their survival, but livestock interference is causing serious losses.
“If we get these groundnuts, we can grind them and sell the paste, which brings a better price than raw groundnuts. But pigs are destroying our crops, and now we must rush the harvest before they ruin everything,” Luka said.
In response, the area chief, Mairo Charles Ohisa, suggested that fines should be imposed on livestock owners who fail to control their animals.
“The rules are clear: every May, livestock owners must tie their goats, cows, and pigs. If your animals destroy someone’s crops, we will sit down and discuss the issue, but if it’s your fault, you’ll be fined 5,000 South Sudanese Pounds,” said Chief Ohisa.
The farmers voiced their concerns during an interview with Radio Emmanuel on Wednesday in Torit.
