Egypt's Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, stated that Egypt has taken significant steps to achieve food security and reduce the food gap in several strategic crops. Speaking at the World Food Summit in the United Arab Emirates, Minister Farouk addressed a ministerial dialogue session chaired by the UAE Minister of Climate Change. The session, attended by ministers and representatives of participating organizations, was moderated by Dr. Abdul Hakim El Waer, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Minister Farouk highlighted Egypt's commitment to ensuring food security for its people amidst challenges such as limited land and water resources, and a rapidly growing population. He detailed several key initiatives: vertical agricultural expansion through increased land and water productivity; the development of high-yield crop varieties resilient to adverse climate change; horizontal agricultural expansion through the reclamation of new lands, including the 1.5 million-feddan project and the 2.2 million-feddan New Delta project; the expansion of national aquaculture projects, water desalination projects, and irrigation water management; the development of livestock and poultry resources and the improvement of breeds; and encouraging private sector investment in agricultural projects, particularly agro-processing and agricultural waste recycling. Minister Farouk added that the government is adopting a contractual farming system and focusing on the cultivation of strategic crops, especially grains, oils, and fodder. He also noted President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's launch of the "Decent Life" initiative, aimed at improving the living standards of over 60% of Egyptians in rural areas. This major development project involves international organizations such as the FAO and the World Food Programme. He further cited the Takaful and Karama (Solidarity and Dignity) program, benefiting millions of Egyptian citizens, and the establishment of the Egyptian Food Bank, among other initiatives supporting the Egyptian people. Minister Farouk concluded by emphasizing that despite regional difficulties, Egypt is effectively addressing food security challenges and supporting its regional neighbors facing political and geopolitical conflicts. Earlier today, Minister Farouk delivered Egypt's address at the opening session of the World Food Security Summit in Abu Dhabi.
