The "You Kafi" project, a collaborative effort between Egypt, the European Union, and Italy, has completed its first agricultural season, with impressive results. The project, which aims to increase wheat productivity and improve resource efficiency, has seen an average productivity of 28 ardebs per feddan in the Menoufia governorate. This was announced at a workshop held to review the project's first season and plan for its second season.
The project, which is implemented by the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Center, has trained hundreds of farmers and agricultural engineers on best practices for wheat cultivation. The project has also provided technical support and monitoring to participating farmers, resulting in significant increases in productivity. In the El-Beheira governorate, for example, farmers achieved an average productivity of 26 ardebs per feddan.
One of the project's most notable achievements was a productivity of 31.7 ardebs per feddan in the Menoufia governorate. This was achieved by a farmer who implemented the project's recommended practices, including the use of certified seeds and modern farming techniques. The project's success has been attributed to its holistic approach, which combines research, extension services, and farmer training.
For the second season, the project plans to expand its reach to 650 demonstration fields across participating governorates. This will involve providing support to farmers in preparing their land for cultivation, as well as technical and extension services. The project also aims to increase the participation of women in agriculture, with a focus on their role in decision-making and resource management.
The project's success has been praised by stakeholders, including the European Union and the Italian Cooperation. The project's coordinator, Dr. Maher El-Maghraby, noted that the project's achievements demonstrate the potential for collaborative efforts to drive agricultural development and improve food security. The project's results have also been recognized by the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture, which has expressed its commitment to scaling up the project's approaches.
The "You Kafi" project is a key initiative in Egypt's efforts to improve wheat productivity and reduce its reliance on imports. With its focus on sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment, the project has the potential to make a lasting impact on Egypt's agricultural sector. Key stakeholders are expected to continue their support for the project, which is seen as a model for international cooperation in agricultural development.
Key points
- The "You Kafi" project achieved an average productivity of 28 ardebs per feddan in the Menoufia governorate.
- One farmer achieved a productivity of 31.7 ardebs per feddan in the Menoufia governorate.
- The project plans to expand to 650 demonstration fields in the second season.
