- 103 -Numerous suggestions have been made for the establishment of cotton fields and the cultivation of new crops. The government is interested in the necessity of improving cotton and grain yields and is considering the issue of irrigating land owned by the people and the arid lands, hoping to reach a suitable solution. The country has been spared from insect pests and fungal diseases. Nevertheless, the government has issued orders giving provincial governors the right to prevent the introduction of these insects and specifying the measures to be taken to eradicate the cotton bollworm if it affects agriculture. The fluctuations in the crops of cultivated lands, especially in the Sennar and Blue Nile provinces, indicate the great importance of the Gezira irrigation project, which is under consideration. The provinces that rely on irrigation for their agriculture have increased their yields, with few exceptions, compared to 1920. The increase in agricultural imports is in sugar imports, and it has been conclusively proven that sugarcane cultivation is very profitable in the lands along the Nile north of Khartoum. Extensive experiments are now being conducted for the Sudan government concerning the cultivation of maize and dura for livestock feed. Unfortunately, the cotton yield was below average due to unfavorable weather conditions and the bollworm. The "Sudan Industries Company" has been granted a concession to manufacture fuel from aquatic plants referred to as "Sudd." Negotiations are underway to grant Mr. Volkes a concession to manufacture paper from the Sudd. The government is now considering a new system for mineral exploration and permits for land prospecting, similar to the practice in Egypt. There has been a significant improvement in the operations of the Um Bardia Mining Company.

- 11 - Irrigation A significant portion of the drawings and plans necessary for the great irrigation projects, which are essential for the future prosperity of the country, have been completed. A report has been prepared on the rivers flowing into the Upper Nile and the project to modify the course of the Nile.