Ministry of Agriculture: Summer Corn Production Exceeds National Needs

Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon

Following the summer harvest season in Kassala State, the Sudanese government has announced a bumper harvest of corn and millet, the country’s staple foods. Production is expected to exceed 7 million tons, surpassing Sudan’s annual domestic need of 4.5 million tons.

In a press conference on Monday, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Abu Bakr Omar Al-Bushra stated that the remarkable achievement was due to the perseverance of farmers and companies and support from the ministries of oil and finance and the Agricultural Bank.

Addressing Humanitarian Needs

The minister highlighted the government’s request for aid to assist 11 million displaced individuals, especially those residing in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He noted that while the government opened eight crossings for aid delivery, the international community insisted on using the Adré crossing. He acknowledged the need for assistance but stressed that Sudan is not facing famine.

Crop Assessment and Challenges

Al-Bushra cited findings from a crop and agricultural supply survey funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The survey revealed the production of 3 million tons of corn and 683,000 tons of millet, which constitute the primary food source for the Sudanese population. He explained that while the production level is generally sufficient—given that Sudan consumes approximately 1.2 million tons annually—a gap of 812,000 tons remains due to:

• Loss of large cultivation areas due to RSF control.
• Theft of seeds.
• Difficulty in accessing fuel and fertilizers.
• The minister assured that this gap could be closed through strategic purchases.

Future Agricultural Development

Al-Bushra unveiled a three-year plan to develop agriculture in Sudan. He outlined significant efforts undertaken in collaboration with various organizations, including the International Date Palm Council and the African Development Bank.

He specifically highlighted a contribution from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to replace and upgrade irrigation pumps in the Selouki Agricultural Project, which supports 130 villages. He confirmed that a dedicated team has already begun work on the project, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development.