Kassala: Acting Wali of Kassala State, Lt. Gen. (Ret) Al-Sadig Mohamed Al-Azrag, held discussions with a delegation from Indian Company Barkaat, led by General Manager Sumit Gupta, focusing on reviving cotton cultivation in Al-Gash Agricultural Project and establishing a cotton ginnery in Aroma city. The Wali expressed support for the company's plan to invest in 15,000 acres of cotton and construct a modern ginnery.
According to Sudan News Agency, the meeting included key state officials, local leaders, and the Head of the Gash Farmers Union, marking a significant development for agriculture in Al-Gash Scheme. The Wali highlighted that the project would advance strategic crop production, deliver financial and social benefits, and bolster corporate social responsibility efforts. He pledged full state assistance to support the cultivation and the ginnery's establishment.
The company reiterated its commitment to investing in cotton, citing its ongoing operations in Sudan's irrigated projects. The Minister of Production and Economic Resources in Kassala State confirmed an agreement for the cultivation area in collaboration with local farmers and designated Aroma city's former carton factory as the ginnery location. He mentioned recent enhancements such as canal rehabilitation, water basin clearing, and the cultivation of 2,000 acres of mesquite trees.
The Minister further explained that integrating cotton with the primary crop, sorghum, would enhance household and national income, improve self-sufficiency, and fulfill local requirements.
The Nazir (chieftain) of the Hadandawa expressed support for the company's involvement, acknowledging its potential to rejuvenate the local economy, raise farmers' income, generate jobs, and restore the agricultural organization of the project. He commended the Indian community in Kassala for their integrity and indicated the farmers' willingness to collaborate with the company.