Minister of Agriculture: Food security a pillar of Egypt’s national security

CAIRO – 19 February 2026: Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, emphasized that food security remains a top priority for Egypt’s national security, particularly in light of ongoing global challenges.

That is why he directed the optimal utilization of all available resources, including agricultural land and underutilized assets, and called for a comprehensive review of stalled projects, with clear and immediate timelines set for their reactivation.

Farouk’s comments were given during an extensive meeting with ministry officials and heads of affiliated bodies and sectors to outline action plans for the upcoming phase and follow up on urgent directives aimed at advancing the agricultural sector.

The minister stressed that efficiency will be the sole criterion for performance evaluation. He instructed the launch of a continuous training and development program to enhance the skills and capabilities of ministry employees, alongside the formation of integrated work teams to ensure faster implementation and stronger institutional coordination.

Farouk affirmed that the Egyptian farmer is the backbone of agricultural production, directing that full support be provided to farmers and that no tolerance be shown toward any attempts to exploit their resources or disrupt services offered to them. He described improving farmers’ living standards as a strategic state objective essential to achieving a qualitative leap in the agricultural sector.

He also called for the modernization of mechanized farming systems and the provision of services at reasonable costs.

Additionally, Farouk emphasized expanding outlets that sell food products and essential commodities at reduced prices to limit intermediaries and ease the burden on citizens. He stressed intensifying efforts to combat encroachments on agricultural land, describing the issue as a “red line” that will not be tolerated.

Farouk highlighted the vital role of applied agricultural research in developing new crop varieties and seeds that are climate-resilient, increase productivity, and conserve water resources. He called for continued development of the ministry’s research institutes and laboratories to meet international standards, with a particular focus on expanding organic farming to enhance the global competitiveness of Egyptian agricultural products.

The minister also expressed the ministry’s ambition to significantly increase agricultural exports, open new markets, and boost foreign currency revenues. He emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination with members of parliament to modernize legislation in support of the agricultural sector.