Egypt prepares to launch wheat harvest in April

As March comes to an end, farmers across Egypt are preparing for the start of the wheat harvest, often referred to as the country’s “yellow gold.” The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation plans to officially launch the harvest season in mid-April 2026.

Harvesting will begin in Upper Egypt, particularly in Aswan, Luxor, and Qena, where higher temperatures accelerate crop maturation. The campaign will then move to the Nile Delta and Lower Egypt, while in some newly reclaimed agricultural areas harvesting may continue until mid-August.

This year, the Egyptian government aims to procure between 4.5 and 5 million tonnes of locally produced wheat to support the subsidized bread program. The target is based on expanded planting areas, which have exceeded 3.7 million feddans, surpassing initial plans.

To support farmers, authorities have increased the procurement price to 2,350 Egyptian pounds per ardeb (23.5 purity grade). The move is intended to keep pace with global prices and strengthen farmers’ incomes.

Despite climate-related challenges, including temperature fluctuations, experts highlight the resilience of this year’s crop due to the use of certified seeds and adherence to recommended agronomic practices, ensuring both quality and stable domestic supply.

Tags: Egypt, wheat, harvesting