By Hou Akot Hou
The Northern Bahr El Ghazal State Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries on Tuesday came up with stringent rules for all cattle keepers to follow during the ongoing planting season.
Luka Manut Jel, the Director General of the Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries, said the rules are aimed at preventing cattle, goats and sheep from destroying farms.
“Animal owners must create paths where they go to graze; in Dinka we call it “Akurok”. As a matter of fact we urge people to make paths for cattle to pass so that the crops are not destroyed,” Manut told Juba Echo in Aweil town.
“We also want our farmers to create big roads where cattle pass so that problems never arise,” he added.
Manut said any farmer who will be found having breached the order by cultivating paths where cattle go to the grazing land will be fined.
“If you fall prey to us we will fine you 30,000 SSP as we have pronounced it clearly. Why cultivate where the cattle pass,” he disclosed.
Several farmers in the state welcomed the order that will protect their farms.
Conflicts often arise during the planting season between cultivators and cattle keepers in the State.