The Egyptian government is expanding its support for farmers to boost food production and enhance national food security. According to Dr. Ali Abd El-Mohsen, Head of the Central Administration for Strategic Management at the Ministry of Agriculture, the government's efforts aim to increase the production of strategic crops such as wheat, corn, and rice. This initiative seeks to ensure that all citizens have access to affordable and nutritious food.
Dr. Abd El-Mohsen emphasized that food security is a multifaceted concept that involves not only the availability of food but also its affordability and nutritional value. The Ministry of Agriculture is working to increase the production of staple crops by providing farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary resources. Additionally, the government is implementing policies to support farmers, including setting guaranteed prices for their products.
The government has also established a system to adjust prices based on global market trends and production costs. If global prices fall below the guaranteed price, farmers can sell their products at the predetermined price. Conversely, if global prices rise, the government adjusts the price to ensure that farmers benefit from the increased value. This system aims to protect farmers from market fluctuations and encourage them to increase production.
Egypt's food security strategy also involves reducing waste and improving storage facilities. The government has invested in modernizing its storage infrastructure, including the construction of new silos and warehouses. These efforts have significantly reduced the amount of food waste, which previously exceeded 10% but is now around 1%. By minimizing waste and increasing production, Egypt aims to become more self-sufficient in food production.
The Ministry of Agriculture is also working to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve crop yields. The government provides training and resources to farmers to help them adopt best practices and use modern technologies. This includes initiatives to promote the use of laser land leveling, improved irrigation systems, and other techniques that can increase crop yields while reducing water consumption.
Furthermore, the government is working to diversify its sources of food imports to ensure a stable food supply. Egypt has established new partnerships with countries around the world to import staple crops such as wheat. The government has also increased its strategic reserves of food staples to six months, providing a buffer against global market shocks.
Dr. Abd El-Mohsen stressed that achieving food security requires a multifaceted approach that involves not only increasing production but also changing consumer behavior. He noted that Egyptians consume an average of 200 kilograms of wheat per person per year, significantly higher than the global average. The government is promoting initiatives to encourage citizens to adopt healthier eating habits and reduce their consumption of staple crops.
Key points
- The Egyptian government is expanding its support for farmers to boost food production and enhance national food security.
- The government's efforts aim to increase the production of strategic crops such as wheat, corn, and rice.
- Egypt's food security strategy involves reducing waste, improving storage facilities, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
