(excerpt)

North Darfur

• The state authorities have endorsed the results of the post harvest assessment, where findings show that North Darfur will face an estimated cereal deficit of 147,830 MT in 2012.

• In March 2012, sorghum prices are 6% higher than February 2012 prices and 40% higher compared to March 2011.

• Goat prices are 59% higher compared to March 2011, and sheep prices are 47% higher than last year.

West Darfur

• State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (SMoANR) has release the findings from the Post Harvest assessment estimating an overall food deficit of 175,794 MT in 2011/2012.

• Sorghum prices in March 2012 are 2% above February prices.

• In March 2012, groundnut price are 6% above February 2012 prices and 81% higher than the prices in March 2011.

South Darfur

• The State Ministry of Agriculture has published the post-harvest assessment report indicating a cereal deficit of approximately 200,000 MT.

• The Agricultural Bank of Sudan has injected extra quantities of millet in Nyala market to bridge the gap and stabilize the cereal prices.

• In March 2012, sorghum prices are 4% higher compared to February 2012 and 45% above the prices in March 2011.

Blue Nile

• Cereal prices and other food commodity prices remain high in the Damazine market.

• Insecurity in southern Blue Nile State has hindered access to production areas.

• Higher prices are expected due to limited production which will have a negative effect on crop supplies to the markets.

South Kordofan

• A joint assessment was carried out in five localities in South Kordofan. Findings indicate that food is the first priority for the population followed by water, health and shelter.

• Compared to February 2012, sorghum prices remained stable, but prices are 69% higher compared to March 2011.

• This stable sorghum prices the last month is due to the supply of sorghum into the Kadugli market in March 2012 by the Strategic Reserve Corporation.

North Kordofan

• Strategic Reserve Corporation has allocated 4000 MT of sorghum to be distributed in the state. However, this sorghum is still in Kosti, and has not yet been transported to the state.

• Compared to February 2012, sorghum prices have decreased by 3%, but are 91% higher compared to March 2011.

• Goat prices have remained stable compared to February 2012, but are 77% higher compared to March 2011.