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UN warns Sudan to import 3.5m tonnes of wheat as crop decreases
Decreased wheat harvest leads to imports
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has urged Sudan to import 3.5 million tonnes of wheat due to a 30% drop in the country’s projected local harvest after farmers opted for crops other than wheat, according to Reuters.
Government fails to buy wheat on time
Some farmers claimed the government failed to buy their wheat at promised prices last year, which left them without adequate funds or reluctant to plant a new crop.
Sorghum and millet production expected to recover
The FAO also said that production of sorghum and millet – staples in Sudan – was expected to increase this year thanks to favourable rains.
Projected wheat imports will account for nearly all import requirements
The projected wheat imports will account for almost all of Sudan’s expected cereal import requirements, reaching up to 3.6 million tonnes.
Impact on food security
According to a statement from the FAO, the significant wheat imports could heavily impact the food security of millions of Sudanese individuals as international wheat prices increase and the country’s currency weakens.
Top wheat import origins
In 2022, Sudan imported 2.7 million tonnes of wheat from Russia, Australia, and Romania, costing $1.06 billion, according to data from the Central Bank.
Warnings of increased hunger
Humanitarian agencies have warned about increased levels of hunger in Sudan, where over one-third of the population faced acute food insecurity in the past year, according to the FAO statement.
Vulnerabilities for Sudanese communities
According to the FAO statement, Sudan’s representative, Adam Yao, stated that communities are facing various vulnerabilities stemming from rising staple crop prices, economic downturns, high inflation, climate-induced disasters, and conflict.
Credit: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230329-sudan-wheat-import-requirements-to-rise-to-3-5m-tonnes-in-2023-fao/
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