Farouk indicated that the Agricultural Services Sector, the Central Administration for Directorate Affairs, the governorate directors of agriculture, and all relevant ministry agencies are continuously monitoring the harvesting and delivery process, removing obstacles facing farmers, providing them with all means of technical support, and providing them with guidance and recommendations on reducing loss and waste during harvesting, transportation, and delivery operations, while maintaining crop purity to achieve the highest possible return.
He stressed the special attention given to wheat and its farmers, considering it one of the most important strategic crops and its use in many food industries, most notably bread. He noted that the total area planted with the crop has reached 3.1 million acres, and that production this year is expected to reach approximately 10 million tons, with total supply exceeding 4.5 million tons.
The Minister of Agriculture stated that the state, with all its agencies, is providing all necessary facilities to farmers during the supply process, ensuring they receive their dues within a maximum of 48 hours of the supply process, according to the previously announced price of EGP 2,200. This is a lucrative price that exceeds the global price of the crop, in support of Egyptian farmers. He also stated that approximately 420 collection points have been set up to receive wheat from suppliers and farmers, and that the cost of harvesting equipment has been reduced this year to EGP 1,000 per acre, down from EGP 1,200 last year.
He added that the ministry's agencies have been directed to continuously monitor harvesting and supply operations in the governorates through operations rooms, to address any problems facing farmers. Furthermore, agricultural mechanization has been provided through the ministry's agencies and agricultural associations to facilitate harvesting operations for farmers, reducing waste, time, and effort.