Khartoum: Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Professor Ismat Gurashi, held a meeting to follow up on the progress of the current agricultural season and the challenges facing it, focusing on efforts to provide dredgers and machinery required for Al-Rahad Agricultural Scheme.
According to Sudan News Agency, the meeting brought together the Undersecretary of Irrigation, Engineer Daw Al-Bait Mansour Abdulrahman, and the Director General of the General Authority for Irrigation Works and Excavations, Engineer Al-Nour Suleiman, to discuss measures aimed at addressing irrigation constraints within the project.
During the meeting, the Undersecretary outlined steps taken to tackle the root causes of irrigation problems as a first phase. He noted that seven pumps at Mina Station-previously subjected to systematic destruction by militia forces-have been successfully repaired and brought back into operation. This was achieved through the significant efforts of the ministry's technical teams using local resources and with high efficiency.
He affirmed that these pumps are sufficient to supply irrigation water to the targeted agricultural areas. He further reported that major breaches along the Rahad River and in the Wad Al-Shaair area have been repaired, ensuring steady water flow and protecting nearby villages from flood risks.
The Undersecretary further stated that over 1,300 breaches across canals and irrigation channels within the scheme have been rectified, ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of water.
For his part, Director General Engineer Al-Nour Suleiman confirmed that all available machinery has been directed to support Al-Rahad project. He explained that much of the machinery fleet had been looted or destroyed by militia forces, but the authority has succeeded in repairing and operating essential equipment.
He stated that 18 machines are currently available, some still undergoing maintenance, with more than five new excavators expected to arrive in the coming days. He added that the authority remains open to all qualified companies to operate under its framework in line with directives from the Council of Ministers.
The Minister also affirmed that all fuel requirements for the summer agricultural season will be secured. He directed an increase in the number of machines through the national company to address any shortfall and announced plans to conduct an urgent field visit to the Al-Rahad Agricultural Scheme in the coming days to assess performance and the availability of equipment.