The Head of the Agricultural Research Center, Ayman Farid Abu Hadeed, attributed Egypt's recent cold snap and sandstorms to global climate change effecting arid areas. Abu Hadeed said that temperatures in this time of the year are usually moderate and the weather generally sunny. He added however that recent weather here has not been extreme compared to floods, fires and droughts occurring in other parts of the world. In statements to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Abu Hadeed said it is necessary to adapt to this global phenomenon. He added that the Agricultural Research Center has dedicated 16 of its 24 institutes to addressing climate change. He said that an awareness campaign will be launched to inform farmers of the best times to cultivate crops, in order to avoid the negative impact of temperature rises. The yield of gains especially is reduced by temperature fluctuations. The campaign will also include further steps to keep the productivity of wheat at a stable level. Adel al-Beltagui, head of the Research and Development Center, said Egypt has implemented a plan to adapt to climate change. The plan divides Egypt into five areas, and determines the best crops to be grown in each, he said. Research will also focus on developing species that can withstand high temperatures, the salinity of the soil and dry conditions. In statements to the press Thursday, al-Beltagui warned of the repercussions of climate change, adding that dry areas will be even drier in the future, necessitating the implementation of Egypt's agricultural strategy until the year 2030. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
