25 rural women trained to manage natural silk production projects

CAIRO - 23 May 2026: The Plant Protection Research Institute, affiliated with the Agricultural Research Center, concluded the activities of the first program of the second phase of the Women Breadwinners Empowerment Initiative. 

 

The program is under the slogan "She Starts at Home... and Succeeds with Her Own Hands," where it targeted implementation of the "Silkworm Breeding as a Small Project" training program.

 

This comes within the framework of directives from Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and instructions from Dr. Adel Abdel-Azim, Head of the Agricultural Research Center, to support sustainable rural development and enhance the economic and social empowerment of Egyptian women breadwinners.

 

Dr. Tarek Afifi, Director of the Institute, affirmed that the program is part of the Institute's efforts to support rural women and train them to establish sustainable small projects that contribute to improving living standards and increasing family income, thus strengthening the role of women as key partners in economic and social development.

 

He explained that the training program included theoretical lectures and practical applications on the importance of the natural silk industry and its role in supporting the rural economy, the establishment and management of mulberry farms, methods of silkworm rearing and care through the various stages of growth until cocoon production, in addition to practical training in extracting raw silk.

 

Afifi added that the program also addressed the most important pests and challenges associated with silkworm rearing and methods of prevention and control, along with the economic and environmental benefits of rearing waste and its recycling, thus adding value to the project.

 

He noted the participation of 25 rural women from diverse educational and social backgrounds, reflecting the initiative's commitment to reaching various segments of rural society and equipping women breadwinners with the practical skills necessary to manage their own projects and achieve economic independence.

 

The Institute's Director expressed his gratitude to the researchers and lecturers in the Silk Research Department, the Quality Management Department, and the supporting team for their efforts in implementing the program and achieving its training and development objectives. He emphasized the Institute's commitment to continuing its development programs aimed at building the capacities of rural women and enhancing their economic and social participation, in support of sustainable development and the goals of Egypt's Vision 2030.

 

For her part, Dr. Farha Hosny, Director of the Quality Management Department and head of the initiative, explained that the program embodies the Institute's focus on maximizing the benefits of scientific research outputs and translating them into practical applications that serve the community. This is achieved through providing specialized training programs that support the establishment of productive and sustainable small businesses.