Al-Mashat: Agricultural Development Is Key Sector to Achieve Food Security, Increase Employment Rates

At the start of her visit to Minya Governorate to inspect the results of the Sustainable Agricultural Investments and Livelihoods Project (SAIL), which is being implemented in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, witnessed the delivery of agricultural mechanization equipment to agricultural and marketing cooperatives. In addition, grants were provided to support microenterprises for rural women.

The event was attended by Dr. Hani Sweilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Major General Emad Kedwani, Governor of Minya, and members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The three Ministers delivered agricultural mechanization equipment to the agricultural and marketing cooperatives, which included six combines, three loader excavators, three units for screening medicinal and aromatic plants, three corn dryers, 2,500 plastic trays, and three peeling machines.

Additionally, the Ministers distributed grants to rural women, which included 75 female cows, 75 female buffaloes, 150 female sheep, 30 milking machines, 25 rabbit batteries, and four sewing machines.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, emphasized that this project is one of the most important initiatives under the cooperation with the International Fund for Agricultural Development. It is part of the country's efforts to promote rural and agricultural development and support small-scale farmers. The project is also aligned with the national initiative "Haya Karima".

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that the project includes a wide range of activities that contribute to the integrated development of rural communities, through educational, health, and developmental services, as well as drinking water projects. It also offers training courses and capacity-building programs in various fields, enabling citizens to increase their incomes.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat pointed out that the agricultural and rural development sector is a priority within the government’s work program, given its economic and social dimensions. She noted that this sector provides significant employment opportunities in the local labor market.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that the Ministry is working to achieve synergy between local resources from the investment plan and international partnerships to maximize the benefits of the efforts made and achieve the goals of the government’s program, while also diversifying the Egyptian economy by increasing the contribution of various sectors to the growth of GDP.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat affirmed the government's commitment to increasing agricultural investments to enhance food security, which is a strategic objective. H.E. stated that the volume of investments allocated to the agriculture and irrigation sectors in the current fiscal year’s plan amounts to approximately 179 billion EGP, an 85% increase over the previous year, due to the state’s expansion in land reclamation projects.

In this context, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat mentioned that food and water security are the main pillars of the NWFE Country Platform, which reflects the state and government’s efforts to mobilize necessary resources and financing to achieve comprehensive development and enhance the resilience of citizens and small farmers to climate change.

H.E. Minister Rania Al-Mashat visited Al-Jihad School for Basic Education, which was established as part of the project. Education is one of the main components of the project, which has led to the establishment of nine basic and secondary schools in the project’s areas of operation. Additionally, 11 daycare centers have been opened and equipped to provide educational services to citizens in these areas.

It is worth mentioning that the Sustainable Agricultural Investments Project (SAIL) aims to benefit 40,000 rural households, reaching 280,000 citizens, by providing support to more families in the neighboring areas and offering social and economic services. Additionally, 172 animal husbandry projects are available, benefiting 3,440 farmers and beneficiaries, including 2,400 men and 1,040 women, promoting smart agricultural practices and techniques that are climate-conscious and enhance natural resource management.