Deterrent measures taken against indiscriminate burning of agricultural waste in New Valley

CAIRO - 29 June 2026: The New Valley Governorate is facing one of the biggest environmental challenges in Egypt: the accumulation of palm waste.

 

This waste has transformed from an important agricultural resource into a source of danger threatening lives and property.

 

The governorate is one of the largest palm-growing regions in the country, producing huge quantities of fronds and branches annually, which makes disposal of this waste a challenge that requires urgent solutions. 

 

 

 

With lack of awareness among some farmers and the continued traditional disposal methods, especially open burning, fires are occurring frequently, especially during windy seasons.

 

The most recent fire broke out in an agricultural area in the village of Al-Awaina in the Dakhla district, and the Civil defense personnel successfully controlled the fire and prevented it from spreading to homes.

 

 

Decisions to address the growing phenomenon of open burning 

 

Hanan Magdy, Governor of New Valley, instructed the heads of local councils, officials from the Environmental Affairs Authority, and the governorate's Directorate of Agriculture to take legal action against those responsible for burning agricultural waste within existing agricultural areas.

 

This directive comes in response to a surge in fire reports in recent days, resulting from indiscriminate burning and negligence in handling agricultural waste.

 

These incidents have caused significant material losses, including the destruction of crops and the death of livestock. The governor emphasized that no leniency will be shown towards any violations in this regard.  

 

 

 

Palm tree waste becomes highly flammable, especially in the arid desert environment and high temperatures. The danger increases when it accumulates near farms or residential areas, creating an ideal environment for fires to ignite and spread rapidly.

 

The New Valley Governorate is one of the Egyptian regions that produces the most palm waste, as it contains more than 5 million palm trees that produce thousands of tons annually.

 

 

 

The governorate is currently moving strongly towards the optimal utilization of this waste by recycling it to produce MDF wood, organic fertilizers (compost), alternative fuel, and handicrafts, with the aim of eliminating the phenomenon of random burning, reducing environmental pollution, and providing job opportunities.

 

Palm fronds and leaves are also being transformed into artistic items, decorations, and environmental furniture, with the support of the governorate to market handicraft products and manufacture animal feed by utilizing the soft parts of the waste in the production of feed.