Egypt Targets 5M Tonnes in Wheat Supply

In a step intended to bolster food security and support farmers, Egypt is targeting a record 5 million tonnes of domestically produced wheat procurement this harvest season. 

According to Khaled Gad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, said the wheat harvest season has begun, with procurement operations set to start from mid-April across collection points nationwide.

He added that the cultivated area has reached an unprecedented 3.7 million feddans, raising expectations of a strong yield under current conditions.

Gad said higher production is being driven by the introduction of improved wheat varieties, early announcement of procurement prices before planting, and government guarantees to pay farmers within 48 hours of delivery.

Authorities have also increased the procurement price twice to cushion farmers against rising production costs, lifting it from 2,200 to 2,350 Egyptian pounds per tonne, and most recently to 2,500 pounds.

These measures, alongside efforts to streamline the procurement system and remove obstacles facing farmers, have encouraged expanded cultivation and are expected to boost overall output this season.