Egyptian farmers are expected to produce 5.5 million tons of wheat during the next season – 2 million tons more than they supplied in 2021 – according to Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Mohamed Moselhi.
Moselhi made the statement amid fears of a disruption in wheat supplies due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, as Russia and Ukraine provide the majority of Egypt’s wheat imports.
In 2021, Egyptian farmers supplied 3.5 million tons of wheat, a key strategic commodity that secures the staple food of bread for tens of millions of Egyptians.
Moselhi said that Egypt, the largest wheat importer in the world, currently relies on 14 countries for wheat imports, including Russia, Ukraine, the US, France, Romania, and Kazakhstan.
However, Egypt depends on Russia and Ukraine for 80 percent of its wheat imports; 50 percent from Russia and 30 percent from Ukraine.
In 2021, Egypt imported 5.5 million tons of wheat, according to data released by the supply ministry in December.
Egypt’s strategic reserves of wheat – 3.2 million tons – are sufficient for up to four months, the minister said, adding that about half-a-million tons of local wheat have been stored from last year.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli has issued instructions to increase the number of wheat collection points and easing procedures to facilitate the delivery of wheat from small farmers, Moselhi said.
The minister noted that Egypt’s contracts to import wheat from Russia are still valid, saying that Russia and Ukraine are trying to fulfil their wheat export commitments.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian government has announced plans to diversify its wheat import sources amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
This includes buying wheat from countries outside Europe, such as the US, Argentina, Canada, and Paraguay, Cabinet spokesperson Nader Saad told media outlets in February.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
