Egypt reclaims over 3.5 million feddans of desert for agriculture
The state has added millions of feddans of agricultural land through desert reclamation, aiming for self-sufficiency and affordable food.
Egypt's Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk stated that the nation has reclaimed over 3.5 million feddans of desert land, a significant expansion aimed at boosting food security and rural development. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase agricultural area and production through both horizontal land reclamation and vertical expansion utilizing scientific research and digital transformation. The goal is to maximize added value, achieve self-sufficiency, reduce the import gap, and provide safe food at affordable prices for citizens.
The minister highlighted major land reclamation projects including the New Delta (2.2 million feddans), Toshka (1.1 million feddans), North and Central Sinai (456,000 feddans), New Egyptian Rural Development (1.5 million feddans), and projects in South Upper Egypt and the New Valley (650,000 feddans). These efforts have transformed the agricultural sector, demonstrating the state's commitment to securing food and agricultural product needs, even as other nations faced challenges and imposed export restrictions.
Farouk emphasized that while the world loses agricultural land annually to desertification and climate change, Egypt has managed to expand its arable land. This proactive approach supports urban development and the agricultural sector, ensuring the nation's food supply. The "Egypt 2026 Forum" showcases this vision, with wide participation from society, political parties, and decision-makers, reflecting the government's focus on public policies and development programs.
Why it mattersFarmers are directly affected by the expansion of agricultural land and efforts to increase production and provide affordable food.