Egypt successfully tests sunflower cultivation using saline water

Egypt has successfully completed field trials of oilseed sunflower in South Sinai using saline well water. The project is intended to demonstrate the potential for growing oilseed crops in regions facing freshwater shortages and high soil salinity.

The positive results could pave the way for expanding sunflower cultivation on marginal land in Sinai. Authorities see such technologies as one of the tools for developing agriculture in arid regions and making more efficient use of non-traditional water resources.

At the same time, castor bean is being cultivated in the East Qantara area. The non-food oilseed crop is suitable for marginal land and does not compete with food crops for fertile soil or freshwater. Oil content in the tested varieties ranged from 45% to 55%.

Egypt also plans to expand production of other oilseeds, including soybeans, sunflower, sesame, peanuts and rapeseed. The strategy is aimed at narrowing the gap between domestic production and vegetable oil consumption, reducing foreign currency spending on imports and limiting exposure to global price volatility.

Alongside acreage expansion, the country plans to develop oilseed processing, including vegetable oil production and feed manufacturing from processing by-products. This is expected to increase domestic value added and create additional opportunities for the agricultural sector.

Tags: sunseed, Egypt, oilseeds