POTENTIAL OF THE SUDAN IRRIGATED SECTOR IN CEREAL-GRAINS PRODUCTION -ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS POLICY OPTIONS

In this paper, a linear programming sector model was employed to analy ze various policy options for exposing the potential of the Sudan's ir rigated sector in enhancing grain production for improved food securit y, following a precarious contribution of rainfed production over the past decade. A free cropping pattern in irrigation schemes would be as sociated with large areas and production of grains under the existing financial cost and price levels, but would be bound with uncertainty o f sustainable grain levels if prices change. Grain production targets could be imposed on irrigation schemes with manageable levels of suppo rt to producers and social costs. The main tools would be adequate inp ut provision and adoption of improved production technology. The imple mentation would be favored by a structure of production in the irrigat ed sector that allows administrative control over production. This cou ld be best blended with policy measures related to pricing and taxatio n levels of grain production. The comparative advantage of different s chemes in producing certain crops should be utilized.