Egyptian president follows up on measures taken to increase agricultural lands' productivity

CAIRO – 20 November 2023: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi held Monday a meeting to follow up on the measures taken to increase the productivity of agricultural lands, especially in terms of growing strategic crops and cash crops.

There has been an increase in the yields of lands cultivated with wheat and corn. Further, studies of crop structures are being carried out in order to designate water needs, and frame the water-agricultural policy pertinent to water quantity, timings, and geographical locations.  

President Sisi stressed the salience of completing those projects as the goal is protecting citizens from the impact of the current global food crisis, in addition to maximizing the efficient use of resources and creating more jobs.

Participants in the meeting included Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Al Sayed al-Qusair, and Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Hani Sweilam.

President Sisi held a meeting in October with a number of ministers and officials to follow up on the progress rate of the implementation of land reclamation projects in New Valley's Toshki, Sinai, Beni Suef, Menya, Fayoum, and Aswan's 'Sanabel Sono.'

The president was specifically briefed on the introduction of infrastructure, modern irrigation systems, water treatment plants, power supply, using digitalization in increasing agricultural productivity, and establishing industrial zones for processing crops.

President Sisi noted that such mega projects, spanning over millions of feddans, must be completed as the ultimate goal is raising the percentage of agricultural lands in Egypt's total surface area and achieving food security for the Egyptian people. He also instructed opening more export opportunities in order to enhance economic growth and the living standards of citizens.