Wad Medani – Tuesday, August 19, 2025
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A high-level meeting between the staff of the Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC) and the Acting Director General, Professor Ahmed Hassan Abu Assar, was convened on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the ARC headquarters conference hall in Wad Medani. The meeting began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Dr. Abdullah Al-Khair, followed by a welcoming speech from Mr. Mohamed Khair Hassan, Director of the Gezira Research Station, who prayed for those who lost their lives, wished a quick recovery for the injured, and reviewed the efforts made to rebuild the Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC) after the conflict.
In his keynote address, Professor Abu Assar welcomed the staff and expressed appreciation for their commitment, dedication, and loyalty to ARC. He outlined the Corporation’s resilience in sustaining operations after the disruptions in Wad Medani, Gezira State, and other war-affected areas.
He explained that:
- ARC Higher Management continued its responsibilities from Port Sudan.
- Financial administration and ARC Research Programs Administration were operated at ARC Gedaref Research Station.
- Human Resources Department and Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Research Center functioned at ARC Kassala Research Station.
- Integrated Pest Management Research Center and Wheat Research Program carried on at the ARC New Halfa Research Station.
Professor Abu Assar stressed that the presence of ARC Higher Administration at Port Sudan had been a valuable advantage, allowing the ARC to effectively represent itself in several federal committees.
He further noted ARC’s participation in the Reconstruction Committee for ARC, the Gezira Scheme, and Rahad Corporation, where a comprehensive report on urgent needs was submitted to the Minister. ARC also issued a documentary booklet detailing damages and losses incurred during recent challenges, highlighting their direct impact on infrastructure and research activities.
The Acting Director General affirmed ARC’s continued communication with local and international partners, including UNESCO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD).
During the session, staff members raised concerns regarding media coverage, promotions, health insurance, provision of work facilities, and housing damages. In response, Professor Abu Assar stated that discussions with relevant authorities concerning health insurance are ongoing. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the Media Unit and commended the ARC Central Library Administration, Wad Medani for its active role in disseminating ARC’s news via the official website and social media platforms.
The meeting concluded with Professor Abu Assar thanking all staff for their commitment and pledging to remove obstacles that may hinder stability. Following the meeting, he inspected field preparations after the resumption of irrigation through the main canal in Wad Medani.
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Extended Field Context:
This meeting followed a series of field visits by the Acting Director General to Khartoum and various research centers and stations, most notably:
- Shambat Complex, Khartoum North (17 August 2025): The Acting DG observed the resumption of ARC activities at the complex after more than two years of suspension, marking a fresh start for agricultural scientific research in Sudan.
- ARC Headquarters in Khartoum.
- Biotechnology and Biosafety Research Center.
- Agricultural Economics and Policy Research Center.
- Shambat Research Station: where he inspected the cotton and forage research program buildings and met with staff in the station director’s office.
The Acting Director General praised the dedication and resilience of ARC staff during the difficult period, affirming that the upcoming phase will focus on implementing a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate infrastructure, upgrade laboratories and research nurseries, and enhance Sudan’s capacity to address food security challenges and climate change. He urged staff to maintain solidarity and teamwork to restore ARC’s position as a leading research institution in Africa and the region.
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