CAIRO, Aug 30, 2018 (MENA) - Planning Minister Hala el Saaed said LE217 billion investments were channeled into the agricultural sector under the 2018/19-2021/22 sustainable development plan. In a statement on Thursday, the minister said the agricultural sector is vital for achieving economic growth and food security, securing raw industrial materials, activating transport, storage and trade sectors and realising comprehensive rural development. She added that about 70 percent of the rural population in Egypt depends on the agricultural sector in earning their living, noting that the sector's exports represent 15 p ercent of the state's total exports. She added that the state would focus on environment-friendly cultivation and the growing of organic plants in addition to the safe use of pesticides to improve agricultural products.