Egypt may plant 2 million acres of wheat to compensate for Ukraine war
Starting with an extra 250,000 acres, Egypt plans to cultivate 2 million more acres of wheat within two years, to ensure food security, especially after the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine, from which Egypt imports the majority of its wheat.
CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced on Feb. 23 that Egypt has so far succeeded in planting an additional 250,000 acres of wheat, which will be increased to 1 million acres by next year, and 2 million the year after.
This endeavor is part of the government’s efforts to ensure Egyptian food security, especially after the outbreak of the war between Russia and Ukraine, from which Egypt imports the majority of its wheat.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly convened a cabinet meeting on Feb. 23 to discuss the brewing Russian-Ukrainian crisis. He stressed that the government would work to diversify its wheat supply.
On Feb. 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation against Ukraine. As a result, the global prices of gas and wheat have significantly increased. Egypt is one of the largest importers of wheat in the world, and mainly depends on both Moscow and Kyiv for its supply.
