By Simon Peter Egwoku

SOROTI - Soroti City East Member of Parliament in Soroti City Hon Herbert Edmund Ariko has donated maize seeds to the farmers of Awaliwal sub-county in Soroti district. 

It should be noted that last year, Ariko (NRM) confirmed that he will be contesting as Gweri County MP which is currently occupied by FDC's Tom Julius Eludo. 

Ariko who lobbied 15,000 Kilograms of maize seeds decided to share it equally to three sub-counties of Gweri, Awaliwal and Aukot with each going with 5,000 kilograms. 

The distribution of Awaliwal sub-county seeds was done today across the twenty villages and five parishes such as Awaliwal, Takaramiam, Damasiko, Omugenya, and Telamot. 

Each village received 25 bags of maize seeds comprising of 10 kilograms each. 

Honrant Okello who was representing Hon Ariko while distributing the maize seeds urged the farmers to ensure that they plant the seeds given saying apart from ensuring food security, the farmers through farming can fight household poverty. 

"They should utilize these rains very well by planting these seeds so as to have food in our families" Okello said

He added that the distribution exercise will continue on Friday 26,April, 2024 in Gweri sub-county where 5,000 kilograms will be given. 

He reminded the residents because of the lobbying ability of Hon Ariko, government has okayed the elevation of Aukot health centre II to health centre III and construction of Awaliwal Seed secondary school next financial year 2024/2025.

Emmanuel Ajalu the National Resistance Movement - NRM chairperson Awaliwal sub-county asked the MP to lobby for agricultural inputs like handhoes, pangas and more seeds for the farmers. 

Meanwhile, beneficiaries commended Ariko for giving them seeds saying they have been facing shortage of seeds following last seasons poor harvest and the rising of prices. 

They also appealed to government to distribute cassava cuttings too when it's still raining. 

Salim Komakech the Resident District Commissioner Soroti launded Hon Ariko for his timely donation and cautioned the beneficiaries against the sale of these maize seeds meant to improve food security at household level.