Khartoum: A high-level delegation from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, led by Minister Prof. Ismat Gurashi, paid an inspection visit to Al-Rahad Agricultural Scheme in Al-Fao Locality. The delegation was received by the locality’s Security Committee, chaired by Executive Director Osman Abdullah Fadl-Al-Seed, along with Dr. Hani Ahmed Al-Mustafa, Director General of Al-Rahad Agricultural Corporation, and a number of farmers.
According to Sudan News Agency, during a field tour to Village 19, the minister reassured farmers about the future of the project, stressing that the ministry has adopted a national plan to revitalize agriculture. He noted that modern technologies and packages will be introduced to boost the Rahad project and other agricultural schemes, underlining the strategic role of agriculture in supporting Sudan’s national economy.
The minister also visited the Agricultural Research Station, where Engineer Khalid Abdelrahman briefed him on the role of research in developing new crop varieties. Gurashi emphasized the importance of agricultural research in supporting Al-Rahad Project, urging farmers to fully integrate research into crop planning and production.
On financing, the minister called on the Agricultural Bank of Sudan to provide funding, fertilizers, and pesticides, commending the bank’s role in advancing the agricultural sector and stressing its vital contribution in the coming period.
The visit also included a briefing by Ahmed Abdel-Gadir, head of Al-Taif Agricultural Association in the village 18, on the association’s achievements which secured it the first place nationwide among agricultural associations. The minister praised the association’s pioneering efforts.
The Minister further inspected the Chinese Center and was briefed on the status of its facilities and equipment. On the sidelines, the minister met with Al-Fao Security Committee, which highlighted its role in securing irrigation water, protecting farmlands, and rehabilitating pumping stations.
Gurashi reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to reinvigorate Al-Rahad Project, outlining administrative measures already taken to restore its operations. At the conclusion of the visit, he met with directors of administrations who presented the main challenges facing the scheme, including irrigation, canal maintenance, weeds and silt removal, fertilizer supply, marketing, and financing. The minister pledged to address these issues, stressing that the Government of Hope places great reliance on agriculture as a key driver of the national economy.