The center emphasized that corn is a strategic and economic
crop, and the government continues to provide aid to alleviate farmers'
burdens.
Authorities are also working to reduce the gap between local
yellow corn production and imported quantities used in animal feed. This
includes encouraging farmers to expand cultivation through various incentives.
The Ministry of Agriculture highlighted corn's crucial role,
noting it accounts for around 40% of concentrated animal feed for livestock, a
cornerstone of red meat and dairy production. It also makes up 60-70% of
poultry and fish feed, underscoring its importance to the agricultural economy.
This season has already seen a significant expansion in
yellow and white corn cultivation in governorates like Minya, Fayoum, and
Sharqia, backed by government provisions of improved seeds and agricultural
extension services.
Ministry of Agriculture reports indicate preliminary signs
of a healthy corn crop, with technical recommendations successfully mitigating
the threat of the fall armyworm.
The Ministry also confirmed regular technical monitoring of
corn fields through a nationwide campaign to boost productivity.
Newly reclaimed lands are integral to the state's horizontal
expansion plan, allowing for large-scale corn cultivation with appropriate
fertilization and irrigation, which will further increase production and reduce
import reliance.
Current agricultural policy is specifically focused on expanding yellow corn production and enhancing overall productivity through the cultivation of high-yielding hybrid varieties.