Prisoners in Yambio trained in farming
Tuesday, 08 May 2012 08:28 Lagu Francis Interviews >>> . Prisoners in Yambio, Western Equatoria State have received training in farming methods. The three day training was conducted by UNMISS and the World Vision. The training is aimed at imparting the prisoners with agricultural skills in a bid to create food production awareness and reduce food shortages. The training comes at a time when the state prison authority plans to open large farms for prisoners this year. Radio Miraya's Felix Katie caught up with the Yambio Prison Director Khamis Al Haj Badi for an exclusive interview, the excerpts are below: Felix: Prisoners of recent attended three day training; may you explain what the training was all about? Khamis: The training was for the prisoners and prison officials so that they acquire agricultural knowledge. There were 38 participants. The tutors from the World Vision gave lectures on crop production and soil preparation. The prisoners were taken through practical sessions as well as theory lessons. Felix Katie: Could you tell us what the plans for agriculture this year are? Khamis: This year we have a very long program and it is a new policy because South Sudan in general is in a food crisis. There are proposals to allow every county to have specific dimension of farms. In Yambio, we have proposed approximately 200 hectares, in Nzara 120, in Ibba County, 300 hectares, Ezo 70, Darwa 100 and in Maridi County 200 hectares. Mundri has 270, Tambura 200, Ezo 100, Mvolo 100 and Nagero has also 100 hectres planned land for farming. Felix: You said you would like to open two hundred hectares in Yambio County, how many prisoners do you have as the work force? Khamis: The prisoners are there only for land preparation. There is a tractor which is going to do the work. But the prisoners we have sent to Nasoro are 30, 20 in Bazungua and 15 in Saura. They will clean and sow the seeds. Felix: What crops are you going to plant in your farms? Khamis: The priorities are maize and ground nuts. In the second part of the season beginning from July or August, we shall plant simsim, sweet potatoes and dura. Felix: What will you do with the products of your harvest? Khamis: We shall begin by selling the products to the contractors of the prison so that he feeds them. If the products are few, we shall give priority to our officials and soldiers and if there is surplus, then it will be taken to the market at a reasonable price. Felix: Lastly, tell us the general situation of prisons in Western Equatoria or in Yambio in particular. Khamis: The situation of the prison here is very good. There is a great improvement. Recently, a womens' cell was constructed. A clinic was also constructed for the prisoners, civilians and soldiers. A kitchen was also constructed and is now operational. Another development is the generator which was brought by UNMISS through UNDP. The generator occassionally provides water and light for the prisoners from 7:00 to 9:00pm. There are also more beds, mattresses and blankets. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/SouthSudanKob?hl=en.
