Al Jazirah scheme activity hits 85% after RSF ‘destruction’, governor says
April 21, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Agricultural activity in Sudan’s Al Jazirah scheme has reached 85% of its capacity following “systematic destruction” by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the project’s governor said on Tuesday.
Governor Ibrahim Mustafa announced plans to expand cultivation and return to global markets, specifically for cotton, while seeking to add value to products through local processing.
The massive agricultural project, which covers roughly 2.2 million acres, suffered widespread looting and infrastructure damage while RSF fighters were active in Al Jazirah state. Total asset losses are estimated at $6 billion.
Mustafa said that despite the damage, 1.745 million acres were cultivated during the winter season. He noted that some irrigation canals had been repurposed as defensive barriers against attacks, complicating the resumption of farming.
Government support facilitated the provision of seeds and machinery, allowing for the planting of 500,000 acres of sorghum and 203,000 acres of wheat. Wheat yields averaged 15 bags per acre in some areas, while groundnuts reached 35 bags.
Responding to a question from Sudan Tribune regarding rent for freehold land, Mustafa said that although a rate of 65,000 pounds per acre was set years ago, the finance ministry has not yet released the funds. He plans to appoint a landowner to the project’s board to address the arrears.
The governor said a recent decision to place irrigation management under the scheme’s direct control has improved operational efficiency. He called for sovereign guarantees to attract foreign investment and boost the national economy.
Plans for the upcoming summer season include planting 1.6 million acres. This target includes 300,000 acres of cotton and 100,000 acres of soybeans, with a focus on meeting export demand from markets such as India.
The project still faces financing hurdles. Mustafa noted that current laws limit the administration’s ability to intervene in funding decisions, requiring structural reviews of the relationships among the project, the finance ministry, and the Agricultural Bank.
Irrigation director Mohamed Osman said his teams had repaired over 1,500 breaches in canals. Technical crews have rehabilitated 720 out of 832 primary canals and cleared 750 smaller channels to support the winter crops.
Preparations for the summer season require approximately 4,000 gallons of fuel per day. Osman confirmed that management is coordinating with the central bank to import essential inputs and secure gasoline supplies for the machinery.