A field day was held this morning in Tayba East, Al-Musallamiya section of the Gezira Scheme, as part of the Aflatoxin Control Project organized by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Corporation, the University of Khartoum, and Samil Company, with funding from the French Development Agency (AFD).

Dr. Arafa Mahmoud Radwan, Director-General of the Ministry of Production and Economic Resources in Gezira State, stressed that the aflatoxin issue affects both public health and the national economy. She announced ongoing efforts to establish a national awareness plan on fungal toxin risks, stressing that restoring Gezira’s leading role in production and export requires strong coordination between farmers, researchers, and agricultural extension services.

Professor Ahmed Hassan Abu Asar, Acting Director-General of the Agricultural Research Corporation, stated that despite the war, the corporation approved over 80 new technologies this year to strengthen food security, and that 70% of its facilities in Wad Medani have resumed work.

Professor Mohamed Khair Hassan, Director of Gezira Research Station, reported successful peanut trials that increased yields by more than 40%.
National Project Coordinator Dr. Abdullah Mohamed Abdullah explained that aflatoxin is a dangerous fungal toxin causing major health risks and export losses due to contamination above global limits.

Dr. Sahar Salah Baheri, Director of Plant Quarantine in Gezira State, affirmed that combating aflatoxin is a top priority to preserve Sudan’s export reputation, while Engineer Ibrahim Musa Mohamed stressed the need for modern technologies and field extension programs to boost productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.