Latest news with #AlaaFarouk
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt pursues stronger agricultural investment across Africa
Egypt - Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, held a strategic meeting with a ministerial committee to explore ways of enhancing cooperation with African countries in the agricultural sector. The session included Sherif El-Gabaly, Chair of the African affairs committee in the House of Representatives; Hesham El-Hosary, Chair of the House agriculture and irrigation committee; Abdelsalam El-Gabaly, Chair of the Senate agriculture and irrigation committee; Abdelhamid Demerdash, Chairperson of the Agricultural Crops Export Council; as well as ministry leaders, experts, and investor representative Ahmed El-Sewedy. The discussions focused on mechanisms to boost Egyptian agricultural investments across African countries and strengthen bilateral cooperation in food production and agribusiness. Minister Farouk reaffirmed President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's directives to deepen Egypt's partnerships across the continent—particularly in agriculture—as a cornerstone of regional food security and economic integration. He stressed that these partnerships would be underpinned by joint ventures, integrated agro-industrial projects, and existing trade agreements. Farouk emphasised the importance of identifying practical methods and frameworks for collaboration, calling for greater engagement from the private sector, scientific institutions, and research bodies. He requested the committee to present alternative proposals and an implementation roadmap within two weeks, to be reviewed in coordination with scientific and international partners for subsequent feasibility and technical assessments. Highlighting Africa's potential, Farouk noted that many countries on the continent offer compelling opportunities for investment due to abundant land, water resources, and the capacity to cultivate a wide range of strategic and high-value crops. These comparative advantages, he said, make agricultural cooperation mutually beneficial. The meeting also explored the development of a replicable investment model for projects in selected African countries. Key criteria include political stability, transport infrastructure, land quality, water availability, and other agricultural enablers. An agreement was reached to prepare a clear and detailed study outlining a viable investment model, to be implemented through partnerships between government agencies, the private sector, and national banks. The model will target countries offering promising opportunities and investor-friendly environments. Farouk further noted that efforts are underway to ensure data accuracy and risk mitigation, using standardised criteria to guide decision-making. It was also agreed that business leaders and investors would be invited to take part in the model, with an open call for participation from all interested stakeholders. The minister concluded by stating that this meeting builds on ongoing coordination between the Ministry and Parliament's African Affairs Committee, aiming to scale up Egyptian investments and agricultural collaboration across the continent. Participants recommended forming a permanent committee to assess investment opportunities, composed of representatives from the African Affairs Committee, the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the private sector.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
New phase of ‘Ezraa' initiative launched to empower small-scale farmers, bolster Egypt's food security
Egypt - A new phase of the 'Ezraa' ('Plant') initiative has been launched under a cooperation protocol signed by Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Alliance for Civil and Development Work Khaled Abdel Aziz, and Reverend Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt and the Coptic Evangelical Organisation for Social Services (CEOSS). This strategic partnership reinforces collaboration between the state and civil society to promote food security and support small-scale farmers across Egypt. The initiative is designed to encourage smallholders to play a more active role in cultivating key strategic crops—particularly wheat—through access to high-yield seeds, technical guidance, and the rollout of field schools. These measures aim to boost productivity per feddan, increase incomes, and improve farmers' living standards, while also reducing Egypt's dependence on imported staple crops. Minister Maya Morsy stressed that this cooperation aligns with the Ministry of Social Solidarity's wider efforts to strengthen social protection and reach the country's most vulnerable populations. She revealed that 18% of the farmers participating in this phase of the Ezraa initiative are already enrolled in the 'Takaful and Karama' social support programme. She added that the Ministry, via the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund, will subsidise 50% of seed costs for small-scale farmers. The fourth phase of the initiative targets the cultivation of one million feddans of wheat, with a strong emphasis on enhancing productivity. Minister Alaa Farouk emphasised the collaborative nature of the initiative, which brings together the Ministries of Agriculture and Social Solidarity, the National Alliance for Civil and Development Work, and CEOSS. He affirmed that its primary objective is to support small-scale farmers by improving both the quality and quantity of their agricultural output. Farouk also underscored the need to maintain the sustainability of strategic crop cultivation—particularly wheat—given its vital importance. He noted that improving the efficiency of land and water use is essential to ensuring long-term agricultural gains for rural families and promoting national self-sufficiency in key crops. To support these efforts, the Minister has directed the Agricultural Research Centre, Agricultural Services Sector, and all relevant departments within the Ministry to provide comprehensive support and technical supervision throughout all stages of wheat cultivation. He also stressed the importance of establishing measurable performance indicators and ensuring the empowerment of rural women in all programme activities to maximise benefits for Egyptian villages. Khaled Abdel Aziz, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Alliance for Civil and Development Work, said the agreement enhances the Alliance's efforts to unify civil society contributions in service of Egypt's citizens. He praised the Ezraa initiative as a successful model of sustainable development achieved through effective partnerships between the government and civil society, with the ultimate goal of helping small-scale farmers attain wheat self-sufficiency in the coming years. Reverend Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt and CEOSS, described the new protocol as a powerful example of collaboration between the state and civil society. He reaffirmed CEOSS's commitment to supporting Egypt's most vulnerable communities, particularly in rural areas. 'We are dedicated to implementing community engagement, awareness-raising, and training activities under the initiative to improve farmers' quality of life, advance social justice, and promote sustainable agricultural development,' he said. This new phase of the Ezraa initiative represents a significant step toward integrating national efforts to strengthen food security, alleviate rural poverty, and raise the incomes of small-scale farmers. It does so through a comprehensive approach that includes resource provision, skills development, and measurable impact across local communities.
Daily News Egypt
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
National Veal Project funding exceeds EGP 9.5bn, supporting over 44,800 beneficiaries: Agriculture Minister
Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, announced that total funding for Egypt's National Veal Project has surpassed EGP 9.5bn, providing vital support to more than 44,800 beneficiaries. The initiative has enabled the rearing and fattening of over 518,000 head of livestock, significantly boosting meat and dairy production across the country. The Minister confirmed that the project's Board of Directors recently approved EGP 275.885m in new funding. This latest allocation will support 393 additional beneficiaries, primarily small-scale breeders and young graduates, and will cover 3,929 head of livestock. With this expansion, the project's cumulative funding now exceeds EGP 9.565bn. The National Veal Project supports both meat production through calves and milk production through high-yielding heifers, aiming to improve food security and stabilize prices for red meat and dairy products. The project is part of the broader Decent Life presidential initiative, launched by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to uplift rural communities and enhance the livelihoods of small farmers. Minister Farouk emphasized the project's role in ensuring the availability of affordable red meat for consumers while supporting local producers. He highlighted the ongoing field follow-ups conducted by dedicated committees from the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector and the General Authority for Veterinary Services. These efforts, in cooperation with agricultural and veterinary directorates across governorates, aim to provide comprehensive veterinary care and on-the-ground support to resolve challenges faced by project participants. Mostafa El-Sayyad, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, noted that pre-financing inspections are conducted in coordination with the Agricultural Bank of Egypt and the National Bank of Egypt. These inspections ensure beneficiaries have suitable facilities for livestock before receiving funding. Once animals are delivered, they are insured under the Livestock Insurance Fund at a subsidized rate, granting breeders access to essential support services. Tarek Suleiman, Head of the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector, encouraged interested individuals to apply through their nearest agricultural office, or branches of the Agricultural Bank of Egypt and the National Bank of Egypt, which have a wide presence across governorates. Applications can also be made directly through the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector.
Egypt Today
08-06-2025
- General
- Egypt Today
Egypt's public gardens, zoos receive 38,446 visitors in Eid Al-Adha
CAIRO – 8 June 2025: ︎ Egypt's public gardens, zoos in 5 governorates and the Aquarium Grotto Garden have received about 38,446 visitors during the first two days of Eid Al Adha (Sacrifice Feast) celebrations, announced the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation in a statement on Sunday. Dr. Hamed Al -Aqsas, Chairman of the Public Authority for Veterinary Services, said that there are directives from Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, to take care of its parks to receive citizens during the Eid holiday, provide the best entertainment and cultural services to them, and provide comfort and safety. About 3,500 visitors enjoyed their time in Aquarium Grotto Garden in Zamalek, while the Alexandria Zoo received 15,903 visitors, the zoo in Kafr El -Sheikh 9,233 visitors, the Fayoum Zoo, 3,700 visitors, and the Beni Suef Zoo also received 3,400 visitors, and the oriental zoo in Sharqia 2,710 visitors. The Chairman of the General Authority for Veterinary Services stressed the holidays were canceled for veterinarians and workers in these gardens, and a plan was also prepared to confront the crowds on the gates, increase the number of outlets and allocate new outlets to facilitate entry, as well as strengthening the numbers of workers on gates. He added that these gardens open their doors to visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at a price of 5 EGP for the ticket.
Egypt Today
07-06-2025
- Egypt Today
Egypt continues inspection tours of sacrificial animal markets during Eid Al-Adha
File- A boy waits for customers at a cattle market in Al Manashi village, ahead of the Muslim festival of sacrifice Eid al-Adha, in Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, August 8, 2019. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany CAIRO – June 7, 2025: Inspection committees assigned by Egypt's Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation continued their field visits on Saturday to markets selling sacrificial animals and meat, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure safety and raise public awareness during Eid Al-Adha celebrations. In a statement, the Ministry said that the inspections aim to verify the health of animals being sold for sacrifice and to educate citizens on selecting appropriate livestock. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, has been personally monitoring the activities of the committees, which are operated by the Ministry's Animal and Poultry Wealth Development Sector in coordination with the General Authority for Veterinary Services. Minister Farouk stressed the importance of continuous oversight of all animal markets and stalls to guarantee the safety and well-being of sacrificial animals throughout the holiday. He also emphasized the availability of technical guidance to help citizens make informed choices when purchasing animals for sacrifice. The Minister further highlighted the need to reduce random slaughtering in public streets, both to preserve environmental cleanliness and to ensure the safety and quality of the meat. He urged citizens to utilize the nearest government-operated slaughterhouses, which are offering free slaughter services throughout the Eid holiday. These facilities also conduct veterinary checks and visual inspections of livestock before slaughter. On the first day of Eid Al-Adha, a time when hundreds of thousands of Egyptians perform the ritual slaughter of livestock, Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber issued a warning against slaughtering animals in public streets and leaving behind waste. He confirmed that environmental violation reports would be filed against offenders, with fines reaching up to EGP 10,000 (approximately USD 202) for those who leave animal waste or blood in public areas. The Governor also announced that all government slaughterhouses in Cairo will remain open around the clock during the holiday to accommodate citizens' sacrificial animals free of charge.
