The Minister instructed ministry leaders, research centres, institutes, and agricultural directorate managers nationwide to ensure permanent and joint coordination to make the new wheat season a success. He called on them to take all necessary measures and remove obstacles for farmers for the top strategic crop.
Farouk also ordered a state of maximum preparedness in all
agricultural departments and directorates, urging ministry and provincial
officials to maintain a continuous presence with farmers throughout the season,
from preparation and planting to harvesting and delivery, to achieve the targeted
acreage.
Farouk stressed the need to ensure sufficient quantities of high-quality,
certified, and selected seeds that are high-yielding and disease-resistant. He
directed that the seeds be distributed to farmers on time and at suitable
prices, alongside the dissemination of the crop's varietal map and intensified
efforts to educate and guide farmers. He emphasized the necessity of adhering
to the previously announced varietal policy, ensuring that farmers plant
varieties suitable for each region to maximise productivity based on soil type
and climate changes.
He also highlighted the importance of intensifying awareness
and agricultural extension programs through field campaigns, demonstration
plots, and training courses. These are aimed at delivering accurate information
to farmers and training them on best agricultural practices.
He noted the need to focus on educating farmers about modern
techniques such as laser levelling and planting on raised beds, which directly
contribute to increasing productivity and rationalising water consumption.
Farouk added that farmers should be encouraged to use agricultural
mechanisation, which has been confirmed ready and available in the governorates
to save time and effort and ensure optimal use of land and water resources.
The Agriculture Minister affirmed that farmers are essential
partners in development and the backbone of Egyptian food security, adding that
the state is keen to provide a comprehensive support package to ensure the
highest returns for them.
He noted that several measures have been taken to encourage
farmers, including an early announcement of an incentivising procurement price
for this season's wheat crop: EGP 2,350 per ardeb for 23.5 cleanliness. He said
this price exceeds the global price to reassure farmers and ensure they receive
a decent return.
Farouk's directives also focused on easing the process for
farmers to receive production inputs. He mandated that subsidised fertilizer
quotas reach beneficiaries without delay, distributed according to the "Farmer
Card" system.
Furthermore, he ordered the activation of central and
subsidiary operations rooms in the directorates to immediately and decisively
address any complaints or obstacles faced by farmers.
The Minister concluded by asserting that the Egyptian state is fully committed to supporting farmers and providing all means of assistance for the season's success. He said this commitment aims to achieve a leap in productivity and contributes to realising food security.