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Egypt relies on the import of 60% of its wheat. Due to the meager availability of water, Egypt cultivates only 5 to 6 million feddans, of acres.
Sudan, on the other hand, has regular rain. It was estimated that the regular annual rain fall in Sudan was estimated to be 1000 billion cu.m., in addition to rivers water.
Hence, both Egypt and Sudan complement each other regarding cultivation.
Egypt possess the know-how and most modern methods of cultivation. It also has the means of building roads to transport agricultural products to central stations in order to be shipped to various places.
While writing this post, the Sudanese press reported that there is bread shortage in the Sudan which is causing a political crisis.
In my opinion it is time for the Sudanese president, Omar el Basheer, to implement the Egyptian agricultural project.
Keep in mind that the Arab world spend between $35 to 38 billion per year on food import for its 400 million people.
It is estimated that by the year 2050 the Arab population would reach 700 million people.
Sudan will become the bread basket not only for the Arab world, but also for the whole of Africa.
Recently, President el Sessi of Egypt, went on an official visit to Sudan (7/20/2018). The visit lasted two days. Several projects were discussed between the Egyptian president and the Sudanese president. They agreed on the following projects:
1. Connecting the Egyptian electrical network to that of Sudan. Egypt will provide 900 kw of electricity.
2. Connecting the Egyptian railways system with the Sudanese railway system. This will facilitate transportation of trades between the two countries. It will be beneficial to both Egypt and Sudan.
3. Increase Egyptian investments in industrial projects which will be of benefit to both countries. Egypt already invests close to $3 billion in industrial project in Sudan.
4. The cultivation of agricultural lands which has been discussed for the past fifty years and it has never been implemented.
It has been estimated that Sudan’s agricultural lands to be 200 to 250 million feddans. Inspite of that Sudan cultivates only 40 million feddans and it relies on the import of wheat.
