At a time when GCC states are eyeing Asia and Africa for food supplies to beat inflation in their countries, Sudan wants to attract atleast $1 billion investment for its farm sector.

The capital is required for 17 huge projects spanning 880,000 hectares, a Sudan investment ministry official was quoted as saying in the Financial Times.

Abdullah Elhag Mohammad, director of external relations at the ministry, said, ’Everyone coming to Sudan is asking about agriculture, to the extent that we are struggling to cope.’

The country wants to take advantage of the land close to the River Nile as well as the White and Blue Nile rivers.

Upcoming inflows into Sudan include Abu Dhabi’s plan to develop more than 28,000 hectares and Egypt’s project in the country’s massive Gezira irrigation zone. Saudi Arabia has also held talks for a big farm project, said an official.