Egyptian Minister of Agriculture, Alaa Farouk, recently presented the ministry's strategy for achieving food security and transitioning to a green economy at a meeting organized by the Cairo Rotary Club. The strategy focuses on several key areas, including horizontal and vertical expansion, development of livestock and poultry, increasing export competitiveness, and modernizing agricultural extension services. Farouk highlighted that the current cultivated area in Egypt stands at approximately 10.5 million feddans, comprising 6.1 million feddans of old land and 4.4 million feddans of new land.
The minister emphasized that the strategy aims to improve agricultural productivity through the adoption of water-saving practices and the development of new, climate-resilient crop varieties. He also mentioned the importance of partnering with the private sector to produce high-quality seeds and reduce reliance on imports. Furthermore, Farouk discussed the ministry's efforts to enhance livestock and poultry production, improve breed quality, and increase meat and dairy output. These initiatives are expected to contribute to achieving self-sufficiency and exploring export opportunities.
In terms of export performance, Farouk reported that Egypt's agricultural exports reached a record high of 9.5 million tons in 2025, valued at approximately $11.5 billion. He attributed this success to the ministry's efforts to improve the quality and competitiveness of Egyptian agricultural products. The minister also highlighted the importance of digital transformation and modernizing agricultural extension services to better serve farmers and enhance productivity.
The meeting also touched on the ministry's participation in the presidential initiative "Hayat Karima" (Decent Life), which aims to improve the living standards of rural communities. Farouk emphasized that the initiative represents a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and social justice in rural areas. The ministry is working to improve the quality of life for farmers and enhance their productivity through various programs and projects.
Another key initiative discussed during the meeting was the "100 Million Trees" project, launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2022. The project aims to plant 100 million trees over seven years, from 2022 to 2029, in collaboration with the Ministries of Local Development and Environment. This initiative is expected to contribute to reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable development.
The minister also highlighted the success of the "Tree Forest" project, which has expanded to cover 23 forest areas in 12 governorates since 2014. The project utilizes treated wastewater to produce high-quality wood products, contributing to sustainable economic and environmental development. Farouk emphasized that such projects play a vital role in absorbing carbon emissions, improving local climate conditions, and providing sustainable job opportunities.
During the meeting, attendees engaged in discussions and raised questions on the challenges facing the agricultural sector and potential solutions. Farouk responded to these queries, outlining the ministry's plans and vision for addressing these challenges and promoting partnerships with civil society and the private sector. The meeting concluded with the minister expressing appreciation for the Cairo Rotary Club's efforts in supporting national initiatives and promoting dialogue between decision-makers and civil society institutions.
Key points
- The Egyptian Minister of Agriculture outlined a comprehensive strategy for achieving food security and transitioning to a green economy.
- The strategy focuses on horizontal and vertical expansion, development of livestock and poultry, and increasing export competitiveness.
- The ministry is working to improve agricultural productivity, enhance livestock and poultry production, and promote sustainable development through various initiatives and projects.
