The governor of Bié, Celeste Adolfo, stressed on Monday in Cuito the need for the agricultural sector to adopt a new dynamic capable of delivering short-term results by promoting production.
“The goal is to eliminate hunger in families as quickly as possible,” the governor emphasized during the swearing-in ceremony of Barnabé Chico Sanguali as the new director of the Provincial Office of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, replacing Felizardo Brito Capepula.
Celeste Adolfo remarked that the Angolan government is obligated to alleviate the pressing issue of hunger among families and views the agricultural sector as the cornerstone for economic diversification through increased production.
“Bié must rise to meet the challenge posed by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, in defense of the people,” she highlighted.
The governor called for intensified efforts to achieve visible progress within six months, relying on the dynamism, professionalism, and dedication of the new director.
With its vast potential, including arable land, abundant water resources, and a favorable climate for agriculture, Bié has maintained an average output of 1,232,630 tons of various products per season since 2019. Key crops include maize, rice, Irish potatoes, citrus fruits, sisal, vegetables, and fruits.
Government plans aim to produce 1.2 million tons of cereals annually, focusing on maize, beans, soybeans, and rice by 2027.
For the 2024/2025 agricultural campaign, projections target the production of 2,070,484 tons of diverse crops such as maize, beans, cassava, soybeans, peanuts, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, wheat, and various vegetables and fruits.
A total of 272,696 farming families are being supported with agricultural inputs, including fertilizers (12-24-12 compound, urea, and ammonium), amounting to 8,000 tons. Additionally, 689,242 hectares are being prepared using mechanized, animal, and manual methods.
Governor Advocates for New Actions to Empower Youth
During the event, Celeste Adolfo also swore in Analdeth Guilherme Manuel as the new director of the Provincial Office of Culture and Tourism and Afonso Belo Sanguvila as the director of the Provincial Office of Youth and Sports, following the restructuring of this sector.
The governor emphasized the need to implement new measures to support, attract, and unify young people, noting that youth are key agents of economic, political, and social transformation. She urged readiness to address youth concerns.
Additionally, seven department heads from various provincial government sectors were sworn in, along with Maria Teresa Chicuvi, the new general director of the elderly care home Elavoko Lyomuenho.
Source: Angop
