Al-Gezira Scheme GM Blows the Whistle: Winter Crops Season at Stake
AlMohagig: Nazik Shammam
The Al-Gezira Scheme General Manager, Dr. Omar Marzouk, expresses concern over the potential failure of the winter crop season in the Scheme should the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia remain in control of Al-Gezira State until the end of March. This situation exacerbates the food shortage in Sudan.
Marzouk reveals the disappearance of several project inspectors due to the theft of their vehicles by the RSF militia which also seizes any vehicle in the streets.
He confirms their inability, up to now, to harvest the fava bean crop due to the spread of the RSF militia on the roads, confiscating any vehicle moving through Al-Gezira’s streets.
In a special statement to AlMohagig, the Manager mentions the cultivation of around 220,000 acres of wheat this season has been completed. He further explained that some farmers have been unable to complete the fertiliser stage.
Marzouk discloses attempts made by the Scheme Management with the RSF militia to allow farmers to complete the fertiliser stage, taking it from the storage. He points out ongoing obstacles, including permitting some and preventing others.
He noted that an agreement was reached with the Minister of Irrigation to open the main canal (2) and increase its capacity, but it has not been implemented yet.
Marzouk states, “The current problem lies in the failure of the harvest season due to the continuous unavailability of gasoline.” He adds that the lack of gasoline, along with uncertainty about obtaining jute to make sacks will impact the wheat cultivation process, which is described as time-sensitive.
