CAIRO – 18 November 2024: In a bold move to expand its agricultural sector and alleviate pressure on Egypt’s urban centers, the government is reclaiming and cultivating an ambitious 4 million acres of desert land.

The initiative is seen as a cornerstone in Egypt’s long-term strategy to bolster self-sufficiency in key crops, create new agricultural communities, and unlock investment opportunities across the country.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, working alongside scientific bodies like the Agricultural Research Center and the Desert Research Center, is spearheading the project with a series of field and laboratory studies aimed at mapping, classifying, and preparing the soil for cultivation.

The studies focus on identifying the most suitable areas for agriculture, taking into consideration the specific properties of the land, climate conditions, and the availability of water for irrigation.

A Holistic Approach to Desert Agriculture

Alaa Farouk, Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, emphasized that the horizontal expansion of agricultural land plays a vital role in achieving greater self-sufficiency, particularly in strategic crops like wheat, rice, and corn.

According to Farouk, this expansion also contributes significantly to the establishment of new agricultural communities, which in turn will generate jobs and offer new prospects for investment.

“The horizontal expansion not only enhances agricultural capacity but also establishes agricultural urban communities that will provide much-needed job opportunities and create new investment avenues,” Farouk said in a statement.

He highlighted the success already achieved in reclaiming and cultivating desert land, with over 2 million acres now under production. These areas, he noted, are part of a larger national project aimed at increasing Egypt’s agricultural footprint.

National Projects in Full Swing

Egypt’s expansive reclamation efforts are being carried out under several high-profile national initiatives, which target desert areas across the country.

Among the most prominent projects is the Future of Egypt initiative, which covers more than 2 million acres, focusing on the New Delta, North and Central Sinai, and the Sunbul Sono region in Aswan. The project, Farouk added, is one of the country’s key steps toward expanding Egypt’s arable land.

The New Egyptian Countryside Development Project, which spans 1.5 million acres, is another major part of the strategy to modernize rural areas and create new agricultural communities.

Additionally, the Toshka Project, which aims to reclaim 1.1 million acres of land, is poised to significantly enhance agricultural productivity in southern Egypt.

Farouk also pointed to the role of the private sector, which has made investments in the New Valley, East Oweinat, and Toshka, bringing additional resources to the government’s reclamation projects.

Addressing Water Shortages with Innovation

One of the major challenges facing the desert reclamation effort is the scarcity of fresh water. Egypt, home to one of the world’s most arid climates, has limited natural sources of fresh water, which means the country must innovate to meet the growing demands for irrigation in reclaimed desert areas.

In response to this challenge, Egypt has turned to wastewater treatment and recycling. The government has invested billions of pounds into the establishment of state-of-the-art treatment plants designed to recycle agricultural drainage water.

These facilities will process the drainage water for reuse in irrigation, a crucial strategy for maximizing water efficiency.

In addition, Farouk highlighted the growing importance of groundwater sources, which are tapped to supplement the irrigation needs of the newly reclaimed desert lands.

The ministry is also introducing modern irrigation systems to optimize water usage in the new agricultural zones, ensuring that water resources are used as efficiently as possible.

These modern systems, which include drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, are essential for growing crops in desert environments where water is scarce.

Collaboration for Sustainable Development

Farouk explained that the Ministry of Agriculture is working closely with the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Agency to ensure that the horizontal expansion projects are sustainable and impactful.

This collaboration includes the establishment of research units in newly reclaimed areas, which will be staffed by experts from the Ministry’s various research centers.

These experts are tasked with providing technical support and advice to farmers, helping them adapt to the specific conditions of the newly developed land.

The ministry is also facilitating the distribution of seeds and other essential production materials to farmers involved in the reclamation projects. This support is vital to ensuring that the land is not only cultivated but that the crops grown are viable and productive.

Job Creation and Social Benefits

One of the most significant benefits of Egypt’s desert reclamation initiatives is the creation of new job opportunities for Egyptians, particularly in rural areas.

Farouk noted that the government has implemented 17 new agricultural development clusters in the Sinai Peninsula alone. These clusters are spread across both South Sinai and North Sinai, with a direct impact on the lives of 2,122 families.

Each beneficiary family receives access to five acres of land and a house, providing them with a sustainable livelihood and an opportunity for economic mobility.

These new communities, located far from the congestion of Egypt’s major cities, are seen as a vital part of the country’s long-term urban planning and rural development strategy.

The new agricultural clusters in Sinai not only provide land for cultivation but also offer homes and infrastructure to support families as they embark on farming careers.

The program is viewed as a model for other parts of Egypt, where new agricultural hubs are being created to absorb the growing population and reduce the strain on Egypt’s urban areas.

Looking to the Future

With desert land reclamation already well underway, Egypt’s agricultural sector is poised for a transformation. As these vast tracts of desert are converted into fertile farmland, they are expected to contribute significantly to the nation’s food security and economic growth.

However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the efficient use of water resources and the sustainable management of the newly developed lands.

The success of these projects will depend on continued investment in research, modern farming techniques, and infrastructure development.

The Egyptian government’s bold efforts to reclaim desert land are seen as a critical step in the country’s quest for greater agricultural self-sufficiency and economic resilience.

The long-term success of these projects will not only increase agricultural productivity but also provide new opportunities for rural development and sustainable growth, securing Egypt’s place as a leader in regional food production for years to come.

As the desert transforms into arable land, Egypt’s future appears to be expanding on the horizon, bringing with it both hope and prosperity for the nation’s farmers and citizens.