Mission Highlights

• National cereal production in 2018 is estimated at a well above-average level of
  8.2 million tonnes, an increase of 58 percent from last year, mostly reflecting an expansion in the area planted.
• Sorghum production rebounded in 2018 to an above-average level of 4.9 million tonnes and millet production was estimated at a record high of 2.6 million tonnes.
• The large increase in millet production reflects higher yields following favourable weather conditions and an expansion in plantings, due to security improvements and the return of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Darfur Region.
• The significantly higher cereal production in 2018 resulted in above-average domestic supplies, estimated to exceed national utilization requirements. Consequently, the country is expected to build up substantial stocks and a small increase in exports is also foreseen.
• Wheat import requirements are forecast at below-average levels, stemming from favourable domestic production prospects of crops to be harvested in March 2019.
• Production of cotton and sesame is estimated to have increased in 2018 to an above-average level, on account of enlarged plantings prompted by higher
  year-on-year market prices. 
• Cereal prices surged in 2018 and were, as of January 2019, between 100 and 250 percent higher year-on-year, driven by a sharp depreciation of the currency (Sudanese Pound).