Undersecretary of Agriculture to Sudanhorizon: Power Coordination Secures Summer Irrigation

Sudanhorizon – Hala Hamza

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Engineer Daw Al-Bayt Mansour, confirmed that systematic damage has affected irrigation systems in several agricultural institutions and major projects such as Al-Rahad, Al-Suki, and Al-Jazirah. He noted that the latter alone suffered 150 canal breaches due to the war, which impacted irrigation operations, compared to the Halfa project, which has remained relatively stable.

Mansour told Sudanhorizon that the ministry faced difficult conditions over the past two years in addressing the problems of these projects but succeeded in resolving them with the support of the armed forces. This contributed to stabilizing farmers, enabling some of them to cultivate an area of 30,000 feddans, particularly in the northern section of the Al-Jazirah project.

He explained that preparations for the summer agricultural season are progressing well, affirming the ministry’s ability to provide irrigation water for most of the season. He added that the ministry is coordinating with various agricultural projects to organize irrigation based on the plan it has developed.

The Undersecretary outlined the ministry’s arrangements for the new season, noting plans to close reservoirs at the start of the season to facilitate water supply through the Sennar Dam. He also confirmed the continuation of what he described as very strong cooperation between the ministry and the management of the Al-Jazirah project regarding irrigation.

He pointed to the challenge of unstable electricity supply in the Al-Rahad and Al-Suki agricultural projects, revealing efforts to turn to solar energy as an alternative solution to power outages. He added that the ministry is in contact with the Ministry of Energy to ensure a stable electricity supply and guarantee uninterrupted irrigation operations.

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