CAIRO – 22 December 2024: The critical role of agriculture in Egypt’s economy, contributing 12% to the GDP, has reinforced the government’s commitment to sustainability and rural development. As part of this strategy, EGP 62.4 billion has been allocated to Upper Egypt in the current fiscal year, with 11% directed to Minya. Additionally, under the first phase of the presidential "Decent Life" initiative, EGP 43.2 billion has been invested in Minya across various sectors.
Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, emphasized the transformative impact of these investments during her visit to the Sustainable Agriculture Investments and Livelihoods (SAIL) project in Minya. Accompanied by Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Hani Sweilem, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk, and the Governor of Minya, Al-Mashat inspected key projects designed to enhance agricultural sustainability and improve livelihoods in the West Samalut area.
The visit highlighted advanced irrigation systems, solar power stations, and models of agricultural and field schools. The projects, implemented in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aim to drive rural development, improve the lives of smallholder farmers, and create job opportunities.
Al-Mashat stressed the alignment of these initiatives with Egypt’s partnership with the United Nations, which fosters collaborative efforts across UN agencies to achieve sustainable development goals. She also highlighted the importance of modernizing irrigation techniques, such as transitioning from flood irrigation to drip irrigation powered by solar energy, to optimize water resources and boost productivity.
Among the key milestones, 1,248 feddans along the Tarfa irrigation line in West Samalut have been upgraded to drip irrigation using solar energy. Ongoing projects include upgrades for Station 12 and Station 13, covering 2,160 feddans, as well as Station Zero, which spans 981 feddans. Development continues on two additional branches of the Tarfa line, encompassing 1,105 feddans.
The project has also introduced 12 solar energy units for irrigation at Station 14 in Minya, alongside 40 solar-powered pumps across Upper Egypt. These upgrades have converted 675 feddans across 135 farms from traditional irrigation methods to sustainable drip irrigation.
The SAIL project places a strong emphasis on capacity building, training 240 stakeholders across governorates to address the needs of smallholder farmers. Additionally, 125 local beneficiaries have been trained in climate-smart agricultural practices and natural resource management. Thus far, 66 field schools have been implemented, along with comprehensive training programs for managers and supervisors.
In collaboration with FAO, 172 new Farmer Field Schools (FFS) are being established in project areas. These schools focus on participatory learning, providing market-based agricultural guidance, and covering critical topics such as plant and animal farming and climate change adaptation.
The investments and initiatives in Minya are part of a broader strategy to enhance sustainability in agriculture, foster economic growth, and create job opportunities. By integrating modern technologies and renewable energy solutions, the government aims to strengthen the agricultural sector’s contribution to the economy while supporting local communities.
The projects underscore Egypt’s vision for comprehensive rural development, leveraging partnerships with international organizations like IFAD and FAO to drive progress. As agriculture continues to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economy, these investments represent a vital step toward long-term economic resilience and sustainability.
Comments
Leave a Comment