Egypt moves closer to its wheat supply goal after purchasing 4.7 million tons.
Egypt Achieves Significant Wheat Supply Milestone
Government Reports Record Purchases
Ahmed Azaam, the head of the Directorate Affairs and Cooperatives at Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture, announced that the Egyptian government has made remarkable progress in the current wheat supply season. Since mid-April, the government has purchased approximately 4.7 million tons of local wheat. This figure represents 94% of the targeted goal of around 5 million tons, marking a record in supply operations.
Wheat Supply Utilization for Subsidized Bread
In a statement to Reuters, Azaam explained that the supplied wheat will primarily support the production of subsidized bread, a staple for millions of citizens in Egypt. He confirmed that the supply season will continue until mid-August, providing farmers with additional opportunities to meet local demand.
Decline in Egypt’s Wheat Imports
In related news, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, reported a decrease in Egypt’s wheat imports for the current fiscal year. Imports fell to 12.5 million tons, down from 13.2 million tons the previous year, reflecting a reduction of 700,000 tons. The minister attributed this decline to government policies aimed at increasing domestic production.
Government Strategies to Boost Local Production
Farouk highlighted that the government has implemented effective strategies to activate the contractual farming system. This approach includes setting guaranteed prices before planting and directly linking farmers with factories and companies, eliminating intermediaries. Additionally, the government has provided certified seeds and technical support through advisory and research caravans.
The minister noted that these measures have led to an unprecedented surge in local wheat production, which has exceeded 10 million tons this year. This represents a 6.5% increase compared to last year, contributing to reduced import costs and enhancing the country’s food security.
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