Sudanese farmers squeezed by rising costs caused by Iran conflict

KHARTOUM, Sudan (MNTV) — Sudanese farmers are struggling with soaring production costs as the conflict involving Iran disrupts global supply chains, driving up the prices of fuel and fertilizer in a country already reeling from years of civil war.

Farmers in Khartoum state’s Al-Jereif West agricultural area say the cost of diesel and imported fertilizer has risen sharply, making it increasingly difficult to prepare fields and plant crops ahead of the growing season.

Sudan depends heavily on imported agricultural inputs, much of which arrives through Gulf shipping routes that pass the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions linked to the Iran conflict have pushed up transportation and import costs, leaving farmers with fewer affordable supplies.

The impact is being felt even more acutely in remote agricultural regions, including Darfur, Kordofan, Blue Nile and White Nile states, where damaged infrastructure and insecurity have already made it difficult to transport goods.

Agricultural experts warn that many farmers may reduce the amount of land they cultivate this season because of higher input costs. A decline in production could affect staple crops such as wheat, maize and legumes, raising concerns about food availability in the coming months.

The latest economic pressure comes as Sudan continues to grapple with a civil war that has displaced millions of people and devastated the country’s economy. Large areas of farmland have become inaccessible, while conflict has disrupted markets, transportation and agricultural production across much of the country.

Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that Sudan is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions experiencing acute food insecurity and famine conditions reported in parts of the country. Rising agricultural costs are expected to place additional strain on food supplies and rural livelihoods if farmers are unable to sustain production.