Egypt’s Agricultural Development Plan: 6 key directives for 2023/24 unveiled

CAIRO - 8 August 2023: Egypt's agricultural sector stands as a pivotal component within the national framework of the economic and social reform program's second phase. This phase particularly emphasizes the "real" economy and the structural reforms essential for its foundations.

The need to enhance the agricultural sector becomes even more urgent given the escalating food requirements of the citizens, especially in light of the rapidly increasing population which has surpassed 105 million. Agriculture also plays a vital role in supplying primary and intermediary raw materials necessary for the country's industrial advancement. This perspective is highlighted in the Economic and Social Development Plan for the fiscal year 2023/2024, introduced by Minister of Planning Hala Al-Saeed, and approved by both chambers of the Parliament.

From a sustainable development standpoint, agriculture holds prominence across three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. Economically, agriculture remains a primary source of employment. Socially, its significance emanates from ensuring food security for the masses. Given its expansive geographical span, it accommodates approximately 55% of the population in rural areas, generating income for families residing in these regions, which in turn aids in alleviating poverty. Environmentally, agricultural development is instrumental in increasing green areas, preserving biodiversity, combating desertification, and curbing various forms of pollution, whether terrestrial, aquatic, or atmospheric.

The Development Plan sheds light on the following paramount directives for the agricultural sector in the upcoming year:

Amplifying Investments: Prioritizing horizontal and vertical expansion programs to meet citizens' needs for essential strategic goods, aiming to elevate self-sufficiency levels, minimize dependency on imports, enhance productivity rates, and increase resource efficiency through the application of modern alternative agricultural technologies.

Water Usage Rationalization: Continuous efforts in optimizing water utilization by promoting modern field irrigation projects, canal lining, rehabilitation, development of watercourses, and clearing and covering drains.

Service Sector Efficiency: Redoubling efforts to enhance the efficiency of service sectors related to agriculture, such as transport, storage, logistics, commerce, and marketing. This will help reduce agricultural losses, facilitate access to both local and international markets, and yield substantial returns for farmers.

Organic Farming Intensification: Emphasizing eco-friendly organic farming and the safe use of pesticides to upgrade the quality of agricultural products, guarantee food safety, and open up numerous marketing avenues.