Madbouly emphasized the government's strong interest in
seawater desalination, highlighting its crucial role in sustainable
development. He stressed the importance of adopting the latest technologies to
enhance the efficiency and production of such plants.
The Prime Minister also noted the significance of ongoing
research at the facility, which uses desalinated water to cultivate various
vegetables and fruits. This initiative aims to maximize the agricultural
potential of new coastal areas, expand arable land, and bolster food security
in line with sustainable development goals.
During his visit, Madbouly received a briefing from Housing
Minister Engineer Sherif El Sherbiny on the plant's capabilities and joint
efforts with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation to utilize it for
diverse agricultural experiments.
El Sherbiny detailed the collaboration between the housing
and agriculture ministries to launch crop experiments in New Alamein. He
explained that the Agricultural Research Center and Desert Research Center are
currently conducting soil and water studies, and preparing crop structures for
water-efficient, short-cycle crops, particularly vegetables and fruits adapted
to the region's climate, along with some strategic field crops.
The Minister added that successful outcomes from these
experiments would unlock new opportunities for agricultural investment in the
promising North Western Coast. This could transform parts of the region into
modern agricultural hubs, relying on advanced irrigation and water-saving
techniques using desalinated seawater.
Also present during the tour was Dr. Hossam Shawky, head of the Desert Research Center at the Ministry of Agriculture, who presented various crop structures suitable for cultivation in the area using desalinated seawater, along with their water consumption rates.