Egypt expands wheat production

Egypt has significantly increased wheat procurement from domestic farmers this season, marking an important step toward strengthening food security and reducing dependence on imports. According to the Ministry of Supply, wheat deliveries have exceeded 4.3 million tonnes, reaching 86% of the government’s target and surpassing the level recorded during the same period last year.

Wael Bakry, founder and CEO of Techno Valley Company, said government support measures played a key role in boosting deliveries. In particular, the authorities announced an attractive procurement price ahead of the planting season and improved collection mechanisms, encouraging farmers to expand wheat production and increase confidence in the crop.

According to Bakry, farmers in the Nile Delta and newly reclaimed areas maintained or slightly increased wheat acreage. The use of certified seed varieties, improved irrigation systems, precision agriculture technologies, and greater mechanization also contributed to higher yields and lower production losses.

Storage infrastructure improvements have also supported the sector’s development. Ahmed Mekawy, Executive Director of the Egyptian Milling Technology Center, noted that the National Silo Project increased grain storage capacity from 1.2 million tonnes in 2014 to 3.6 million tonnes by 2023, helping reduce post-harvest losses caused by pests and moisture.

Despite the progress, Egypt is expected to remain one of the world’s largest wheat importers, as annual consumption exceeds 20 million tonnes. However, higher domestic production and lower post-harvest losses are helping reduce import requirements, ease pressure on foreign currency reserves, and support the stability of the country’s subsidized bread program.