“Future of Egypt project” major stride towards food security in Egypt

22 / 05 / 2022

By Marwa Nassar - -

The “Future of Egypt project” for agricultural project represents a major stride towards achieving food security in Egypt which is part of Egypt’s drive to realize the Sustainable Development Goals.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inaugurated on Saturday the Future of Egypt project for agricultural production which is located along the new Rod El Farag-El Dabaa axis.

The president directed to swiftly finalize the project as soon as possible. Sisi stressed that such important national project cannot wait until July 2024 as scheduled, giving directives to finalize it before the end of 2023.

This project should be accomplished alongside the projects in Toshka, Beni Suef, Menya and others in view of the conditions through which the world is passing.

He highlighted that the state’s interest in developing the infrastructure over the past seven to eight years was behind the success in securing needed electricity for this important project.

He said the project will add 2.5 million feddans, representing 25 percent of the total agricultural lands in Egypt.

Therefore, developing electricity, roads and other infrastructure services cannot be left behind, while accomplishing such project, he said, noting that the Dabaa road is being upgraded within this context.

As for irrigation, the president expounded that irrigating Delta lands does not need water-lifting station, but when it comes to reclaimed lands of Future of Egypt project, there was a need for water-lifting stations which are costly.

He noted that Egypt can get irrigation water from various resources, including well water and treated water, referring to the establishment of Mahsama station and Bahr Baqar station.

The president noted that a new water station will be opened by the end of 2022 at a 7.5 million meter capacity.

He highlighted the importance of rationalizing water consumption, noting that greenhouses do not only contribute to upping feddans’ productivity, but also cutting water consumption by about 50 to 60 percent.

During the inauguration, Agriculture Minister Sayyed Quseir said the project will contribute to upping agricultural production by 10 to 15 percent of the total agricultural crops.

Meanwhile, Supply Minister Ali Moselhi said the project will mark a genuine leap in Egypt’s economic capabilities, especially through increasing cultivated lands.

This will help achieve food security and reducing imports of strategic crops, including wheat and corn, he said.

He said Egypt seeks to secure vegetables and fruits all over the year to be able to face any crisis and the greenhouses are helpful in this respect.

The project is considered Egypt’s agricultural engine and the first project of the bigger New Delta project to achieve self-sufficiency and export the surplus.