Egypt Cuts Wheat Import Needs as Domestic Production Surpasses 10 Million Tons

Egypt expects its wheat imports to decline during the 2025–26 fiscal year as rising domestic production and stronger government procurement efforts improve the country’s grain self-sufficiency, Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk said on Saturday.

The minister said Egypt's wheat imports are projected to fall to approximately 12.5 million metric tons in fiscal year 2025–2026, compared with around 13.2 million tons in the previous fiscal year.

The reduction comes as local wheat production increased by more than 6.5% year-on-year, surpassing 10 million tons during the current fiscal period, according to the ministry.

Farouk said the government’s wheat procurement program has achieved its highest collection rates in recent years and is approaching its target of five million tons by the end of the harvest season.

The improved harvest reflects broader efforts by Egyptian authorities to expand agricultural production and reduce reliance on imported grain, a strategic priority for one of the world's largest wheat-importing nations.

The minister attributed part of the production increase to major land reclamation and agricultural expansion projects launched across the country.

Among the largest initiatives is the New Delta Project, covering 2.2 million feddans and implemented by the Future of Egypt Sustainable Development Authority. Other key projects include the Toshka El Kheir development covering 1.1 million feddans, the development of North and Central Sinai spanning approximately 456,000 feddans, and the New Egyptian Countryside initiative, which encompasses 1.5 million feddans.

Additional agricultural developments in Upper Egypt and the New Valley region account for roughly 650,000 feddans, collectively expanding Egypt’s cultivated area and boosting crop output.

Farouk also highlighted significant investments in water management infrastructure aimed at supporting agricultural growth in a water-scarce environment.

Major wastewater treatment facilities include the Al-Hammam plant, with a treatment capacity of 7.5 million cubic meters per day, the Bahr El-Baqar plant at 5.6 million cubic meters daily, and the Al-Mahsama station with a capacity of 1.3 million cubic meters per day.

The government has also expanded seawater desalination projects and promoted modern irrigation technologies to improve water-use efficiency and conserve resources.

As part of broader rural development efforts, Egypt has established 18 agricultural development communities in Sinai, 11 in North Sinai and seven in South Sinai, benefiting more than 2,100 families.

Each beneficiary received a five-feddan agricultural plot and a residential unit, while three integrated agricultural service centers were created to support the development of modern farming communities.

Authorities have additionally invested in well-drilling projects, solar-powered infrastructure, desertification control programs, and subsidized seed distribution for strategic crops including wheat, barley, and fava beans. Olive, fig, and date palm seedlings have also been distributed to strengthen local agricultural economies.