Adoption of improved wheat technology in the Sudan: survey results

Abstract

It is predicted that the domestic consumption of wheat in the Sudan will rise rapid­ly, particularly in urban areas. The contribution of local production has been low, resulting in an increasing dependency on imports and a high demand for foreign exchange. A strategy for domestic self-sufficiency has been pursued since the mid- 1980s, through area expansion, reduction of price subsidies and promotion of the use of improved high-yield technology. Recently, policy reforms have incorporated the provision of incentives to boost wheat production. Research on wheat has been intensified in order to develop and verify yield-improving and stabilizing technolo­gy. This intensification has relied on cooperation between researchers, farmers, and extension and administrative institutions. Wheat-production packages have been developed, the main components of which are improved cultivars, adequate land preparation, timely sowing, efficient sowing methods, sufficient fertilizer applica­tion and judicious water application. These technologies have revealed a high potential for boosting wheat yields as well as financial returns to producers. Their adoption has been instrumental in increasing domestic wheat production.