A harmful pest has spread across West Kordofan State, destroying millet crops as they begin to grow in many areas. Authorities warn that damage to millet, the region’s staple food, could trigger severe food insecurity among local populations.
Farmer Al-Tayeb Suleiman from Nahud said pests attacked the millet while it was still in the seed formation stage. He added that crops planted in late May and early June remain largely safe, as they are now ready for harvest.
During visits to Al Nahud and Ghubaish, observers noted early millet harvests devastated by relentless pest infestations. Farmers attribute the spread to unavailable pesticides and delayed planting, which allowed pests to ravage young millet crops easily.
West Kordofan is also grappling with ongoing displacement caused by conflict between the General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s army and rival Rapid Support Forces. The combination of war, displacement, and agricultural losses has heightened fears of widespread hunger and economic hardship in the state.
Authorities are being urged to deploy pesticides urgently and support farmers in replanting to prevent a looming food crisis. Experts warn that without immediate intervention, the pest outbreak could ripple across the region, affecting millions dependent on millet for survival.
