Drought and corn shortages paralyze Sudan’s feed industry

Sudan’s feed industry is under severe pressure from a combination of drought, raw material shortages and the consequences of prolonged war. Some feed mills in Khartoum State have been forced to sharply reduce operations due to shortages of corn and bran, with some plants running only one or two days a week.

The situation is being worsened by extensive damage to agricultural and processing infrastructure. Before the war began in 2023, Khartoum accounted for around 40% of Sudan’s wheat-milling capacity and hosted a significant share of the country’s feed mills. Many facilities are now damaged or operating intermittently.

Drought has added another major shock. Rainfall in several key agricultural regions during June–August 2026 was the lowest on record. The delayed rainy season has weakened pastures and water supplies, while extreme heat has reduced feed production and contributed to livestock deaths.

Corn availability is also being constrained by internal movement restrictions. In some states, grain shipments to other regions are allowed only when buyers provide confirmation of need, further complicating access to raw materials for feed manufacturers.

Mill owners are urging the authorities to ensure stable supplies of corn and other feed ingredients. A further deterioration could hit dairy farms and the wider livestock sector, as feed shortages are already limiting producers’ ability to maintain herds and output.

Tags: corn, Sudan, compound feed