Thousands of farmers in the Al-Matamma area of Nile River State are increasingly concerned that the sudden decline in Nile water flows and falling water levels could develop into a prolonged crisis threatening agricultural projects and food security, particularly after several irrigation schemes that rely on pumping systems were affected.
Agricultural projects in the areas of Kobar Al-Saleem and Maqasir Island in northern Sudan have witnessed a significant decline in Nile water levels, extending along a distance of 2.5 kilometres. The phenomenon has not been experienced in these areas for many years.
Some irrigation water stations serving agricultural orchards have also been affected, while many farmers are facing difficulties operating their pumps because the water has receded beyond the reach of their intake points.
In this regard, Issam Hamid, a farmer at the Al-Saleem agricultural scheme in Dongola, told Mashawir that “the river’s course has receded by more than 2.5 kilometres, resulting in heavy losses to strategic crops that directly affect consumers and people’s livelihoods, particularly vegetables of various kinds, which are in high and daily demand.”
He added that “the decline in water flows has brought traditional irrigation operations to a halt. Water shortages have caused dozens of agricultural schemes to dry up and most of their crops to be destroyed, at a time when farmers are unable to provide immediate alternatives to save the agricultural season.”
