For since the cultivation of Sudan's crops depended almost entirely on rain or floodwater, a shortage of rain in one year would adversely affect the trade of the following year. Although the rain was scarce in these years, the people did not feel want and poverty. The increase in wages now made it possible for a worker to support a family for a month with his wages for only 15 days. Furthermore, the extension of the railway to El Obeid opened new avenues for the people to earn a living and greatly increased the yield of manufactured goods. It is said that the country emerged from the hardship it experienced in the past two years safely and soundly.

January to September 1911 Increase or Deficit 1912 £.M. £.M. (1) Imports 193,919 170,913 128,012 89,611 (2) Exports 480,105 + 298,592 778,747 (3) Re-exports (Domestic) 554,14 878,13 (4) Transit (Foreign) 722,30 882,18 Total 371,294 - 434,300 660,7 However, although the rapid progress of trade, especially in the export of agricultural produce, has been halted due to the drought, the government continues to undertake works that are bound to lead to an increase in the country's agriculture and wealth. It is now considering the protection of gum forests, has opened trade in hides with Egypt, and has arranged for the utilization of some currently unutilized produce, such as some wild fibers, down, and Sudanese legumes. The Sudan Chamber of Commerce and the Central Economic Committee have accomplished much beneficial work, which is increasingly praised. The yield of manufactured goods in 1912 surpassed all previous yields in quantity. As for cotton,