Hit Record 4.3 Million Tons, Aid Convoy Heads to Gaza

Egypt has received more than 4.3 million metric tons of locally produced wheat during the current procurement season, marking the highest volume ever recorded under the country's wheat supply system and bringing deliveries to about 86% of the government's target, an agriculture ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

Khaled Gad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, said the government aims to procure 5 million tons of wheat this season and remains on track to meet or exceed that goal as the harvest and procurement period continues until mid-August.

"The quantities supplied have exceeded 4.3 million tons, representing around 86% of the target," Gad said, describing the achievement as an indication of the state's efforts to support wheat production and strengthen food security.

Egypt, one of the world's largest wheat importers, has sought to boost domestic production in recent years to reduce reliance on imports and improve food security amid global supply disruptions.

Gad said the government increased the wheat procurement price to 2,500 Egyptian pounds per ardeb, a traditional unit used in grain trading, encouraging farmers to expand cultivation. He added that the cultivated area increased by more than 600,000 feddans compared with last year.

He also attributed the rise in production to the development of new high-yield and high-quality wheat varieties.

According to the ministry, Egypt's total wheat production could surpass 10 million tons this year for the first time, supporting plans to raise the country's wheat self-sufficiency rate to more than 50% in the coming years.

Egypt's humanitarian efforts for Gaza continued as the Egyptian Red Crescent launched its 206th "Zad Al-Ezza" aid convoy carrying more than 3,200 tons of relief supplies.

Egyptian authorities said the Rafah border crossing remains fully prepared to receive new groups of wounded Palestinians and patients from the Gaza Strip for treatment in approximately 150 hospitals across eight governorates.

The convoy carried around 3,237 tons of food supplies, medical assistance, fuel products and shelter tents destined for Gaza.

Authorities also facilitated the return of several Palestinian patients and their companions to the Gaza Strip after they completed treatment in Egyptian hospitals and finalized travel procedures.

Egypt has maintained medical and humanitarian support operations for Gaza, facilitating the movement of patients while coordinating the delivery of aid through border crossings.