Sudan Events – Follow-ups
The Federal Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Omar Abu Bakr Al-Bashri, said that Kassala State has become the leading producer in agricultural projects after half of the Gezira Project was occupied by the rebel militia.
Speaking at a World Food Day celebration organized by the FAO, in the presence of the Federal Minister of Governance, Engineer Mohamed Kortakila Saleh, the acting governor of Kassala, Retired Major General Al-Sadiq Mohamed Al-Azraq, and the Minister of Production and Economic Resources in Kassala State, Khidr Ramadan, and FAO’s resident representative in Sudan, the minister praised the organization’s efforts in shifting from relief programs to achieving development for farmers by providing production inputs.
He said this day is dedicated to celebrating the provision of food at a time when 733 million people worldwide are suffering from food shortages.
He added that the ministry aims to support small farmers as part of strategic development goals, including supporting women, youth, the disabled, and vulnerable communities in remote areas, in line with the slogan “Leave No One Behind.”
He explained that last year, the problem was not production but delivering the products to people trapped in areas controlled by the rebel militia.
Al-Bashri emphasized the ministry’s focus on supporting small farmers to enhance production.
The acting governor of Kassala said the celebration of World Food Day for the first time in Kassala has significant implications for providing food to citizens, sending a clear message to counter the false claim that Sudan is facing a major famine. He pointed out that what has been achieved in the Kalhot agricultural project disproves this claim.
He stated that Kassala State has cultivated approximately 4 million feddans, with expected production of 5 million tons, posing a challenge to detractors.
The governor added that the armed forces are fighting to repel aggression, and there are other “mujahideen” defending the country in the field of food production.
He revealed the advantages of the current season, especially the rainfall levels, and thanked the farmers and partners who have supported Sudan during these difficult times.
The FAO’s resident representative in Sudan highlighted the organization’s efforts to support small farmers by distributing seeds to encourage local production. He noted that the celebration coincides with 160 countries worldwide, emphasizing the importance of food security and the need to provide it at affordable prices, considering it a global responsibility.
He also mentioned that 25.6 million people in Sudan are in need of food.
