Iran war poses new threat to harvests in hunger-stricken Sudan
The ongoing conflict in Iran is exacerbating the food crisis in Sudan by driving up fuel and fertilizer costs, which are critical for agricultural production. Farmers are struggling to plant crops due to these rising expenses, with many reporting a significant reduction in their planting areas. The situation is dire, as over 19 million people in Sudan are facing severe hunger, and agricultural output is expected to decline further due to the compounded effects of war and economic instability.
- ▪Farmers in Sudan are cutting back on planting due to rising fuel and fertilizer costs linked to the Iran conflict.
- ▪Over 19 million people in Sudan are facing crisis levels of hunger, with some regions at risk of famine.
- ▪The Sudanese agricultural sector, already weakened by war, is expected to see production fall by at least 40%.
- ▪The state-backed Agricultural Bank is struggling to support farmers due to the ongoing conflict and economic challenges.
- ▪Lawlessness in regions like Kordofan and Darfur is threatening the production of key crops such as sesame and millet.
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Iran war poses new threat to harvests in hunger-stricken SudanSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 25, 2026, 09:39 PMUpdated May 25, 2026, 09:39 PMOMDURMAN, Sudan, May 25 - Farmers across Sudan say the hike in global fuel and fertilizer costs resulting from the Iran conflict will force them to cut back on planting this summer, restricting food production in a country where war has caused acute hunger.Eight farmers from different parts of Sudan, as well as experts working in the sector, told Reuters that fuel and fertilizer price increases would compound problems caused by a civil war, hitting staple domestic crops such as sorghum and millet as well as exports like sesame.Sudan is particularly vulnerable to the fallout from the Iran crisis as it relies on…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.