The World Bank and the Japanese government pledged to support Egypt with a $153 million (911.9 million EGP) grant aiming to develop Agriculture in Egypt. Agriculture is the largest economic sector, employing 30% of the workforce and supporting 55% of the population. The aim of the grant, presented through the Japan Fund for Social Development, is to aid in modernization of Egypt's irrigation network. The donation includes adopting of a new approach in the provision of services by the Ministry of Agriculture and Land reclamation unit. Minister of Agriculture Salah Farag said, "We aim to expand the area of agricultural land in the valley and the Delta by 10% through this grant." Farag said that this project would reduce water pollution and help the environment, in addition to offering more opportunities for agricultural administration work. The project aims to bring 140,000 farms to new project, which will continue through five years. Japan's ambassador to Cairo, Norihiro Okuda, said, "The Japanese government is keen to assist Egypt in its transition to democracy. Japan will continue its active role in water and agriculture sectors in Egypt in light of their continued importance. Even after the revolution as agriculture is still the largest economic sector in Egypt." The share of the Japanese government is $3 million David Craig, World Bank Country Director, responsible for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti, said "The grant is of great importance. It will allow the farmers to directly participate in the design and implementation of improvements made to modern irrigation techniques.” According to Craig, the grant will affect 7,000 acres of agricultural land.
