Pump project turns Sudanese desert into farmland

South African manufacturer of engineering pumping solutions, Denorco, is supplying water pumps to an irrigation project in Sudan's River Nile State. The project will see the transformation of 50 000 ha of arid desert into arable farmland. The company has been involved in the project since its inception in 2003 and has supplied 84 large pumps.

With the discovery of oil in Sudan, the government identified areas where the funds raised could be best used. One area was agriculture. However, water, in this traditionally arid land, is a scarce resource, other than on the banks of the river Nile.

“This is the largest ever flood irrigation project on the African continent. Denorco became involved in the project after responding to a tender put out by the Sudanese Ministry of Agriculture," said Denorco managing director Attie Jonker. “In colonial times, at the turn of the century, water schemes were developed on the Nile by the British, but these are no longer operating efficiently. We are now rehabilitating these schemes as well as developing new ones,” says Jonker. “Each of the pumpstations, based on an average of four pumps, pumps water from the river into an extensive network of canals. Some of these canals go as far as 45 km into the desert. “The government, through this project, has successfully converted arid land into lucrative agricultural sites.”

Denorco has two technicians based in Sudan, who ensure that the installation of the pumps is smooth and satisfactory. In addition, over 20 engineers have been to South Africa to receive technical training. Local farmers take ownership of the project and are encouraged by the government to grow fresh produce, such as wheat, manges, onions, beans and citrus products. The proceeds pay for the system.

“When completed, Sudan will be able to export wheat – a remarkable feat of modern technology,” concludes Jonker.

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