Cash Shortage Threatens Agricultural Season in Gedaref
Sudan Events – Updates
The Farmers’ Committee in Gedaref revealed severe repercussions threatening to halt harvest operations in the state due to the imposition of a daily withdrawal limit of 200,000 Sudanese Pounds.
The committee announced that several farmers’ committees have entered critical discussions to address the cash shortage and its impact on harvest operations.
Hamed Youssef, the Acting Head of the Farmers’ Committee, criticized the withdrawal cap, stating that the limit is insufficient to cover the daily needs of permanent and seasonal workers, as well as farmers’ own expenses.
Youssef disclosed that some farmers have decided to halt harvesting for the current season due to the daily withdrawal limit. He noted that harvest operations this year are significantly delayed compared to previous years, citing labor shortages and a lack of liquidity as key reasons.
“We met with the Director of the Central Bank of Sudan branch in Gedaref over a month ago to request an increase in the withdrawal cap, which was then set at 3 million Sudanese Pounds,” Youssef stated. “We informed him of the upcoming harvest season and the need for sufficient cash, and we were promised a solution. However, the withdrawal limit was reduced to 200,000 Sudanese Pounds following the decision to replace the currency.”
