Sudan Agriculture Platform: (13) states exit the list of Productive states

Sudan Events – Rehab Abdullah

The Sudan Agriculture and Food Security Platform said that the country is facing a severe food crisis resulting from war and displacement that has greatly affected agriculture and food production in many states, affirming that these geographical and demographic shifts have transformed the population from producers to displaced people who need assistance in securing food and shelter.
The platform’s board of directors explained in a press statement that by mid-July 2024, 13 states had exited the list of productive states, including the five Darfur states, the three Kordofan states, the White Nile and Blue Nile states, Khartoum, Gezira , and Sennar.
Only five productive states remain: Gedarif, Kassala, River Nile, Northern, and Red Sea.
The platform’s board noted that climate forecasts indicate the possibility of above-average rainfall in most parts of the country, which bodes well for a good fall season, and it is expected that about 5.2 million people in Darfur and Gedarif state will face unprecedented heavy rains next week.
He pointed out that the current agricultural situation for the corn crop indicates that the percentage of areas that have been removed due to the war is estimated at 70%, which leads to the loss of about 72% of the expected production, while for the millet crop, the percentage of areas that have been removed due to the war is estimated at 96%, which leads to the loss of about 96% of the expected production.
He pointed out that to confront the threat of the coming famine, a strategy must be adopted based on cultivating all possible areas, including forest areas and areas not affected by the war, and modern technologies must also be used to increase productivity while working to secure seeds and care for basic food crops.
The platform’s board of directors added: “It is also necessary to provide urgent food to those in need by establishing collective kitchens and hospices to provide free food to the poor and needy.”