Sudan’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Abu Bakr al-Bushra, announced on Tuesday that the country’s grain production has risen by 63% in 2024, reaching 6.6 million tons. This marks a significant recovery from the previous year when grain output stood at 4 million tons.
Sudan requires between 5.5 and 6 million tons of grains annually to meet its food needs, with different regions relying on specific crops. Central areas mainly consume sorghum, the north depends on wheat, and millet is the staple in western regions.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Sudan, al-Bushra attributed the production increase to favorable rainfall, expanded cultivation, and the use of certified seeds. He noted that this year’s output is also 7% higher than the average production of the last five years.
Sorghum, a staple food for most Sudanese, accounted for the largest share of production at 5.4 million tons, marking a 77% increase. Millet production rose by 6% to 793,000 tons, while wheat production, expected to be harvested in March and April, is projected to reach 490,000 tons—a 30% rise from the previous season.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated Sudan’s 2023 grain production at 4.1 million tons, a sharp drop from 8 million tons in 2022 due to conflict and drought. However, this year’s favorable conditions have led to a strong rebound.
Agriculture plays a vital role in Sudan’s economy, employing 80% of the workforce and contributing 32.7% of the country’s GDP, which was estimated at $34.3 billion in 2021. Officials hope the strong harvest will help stabilize food supplies and ease economic pressures.