Egypt: The government wants to increase the area given over to wheat cultivation to 1.47 million hectares by 2024/2025, i.e. an additional 126,000 hectares  

In Egypt, the government hopes to increase the area devoted to wheat cultivation to 1.47 million hectares by 2024/2025, i.e. 126,000 hectares more than the area sown during the previous season. This was revealed by Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, on 26 May. 

According to the Minister, if this target is met, the country’s wheat stocks will increase to 5.2 million tonnes, compared with around 4 million tonnes in 2023/2024. This project is in line with the government’s ambitions to increase local production in order to reduce its purchases on the international market. 

At present, Egypt still relies on imports for 53% of its wheat consumption, which stands at over 20 million tonnes a year, while supply hovers around 8-9 million tonnes. 

With a view to diversifying its cereal supplies, the country has decided to add 3 new countries to its portfolio of suppliers on the international market from 2025. According to information relayed by the Zawya media, citing a source close to the matter who requested anonymity, the government is currently in talks with Zimbabwe, Mexico and Sweden. 

It should be noted that Egypt currently buys wheat mainly from Russia, France, Romania and Ukraine, according to the USDA.