Cairo: The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation has launched a nationwide campaign to monitor and combat fruit flies, a major threat to agricultural crops, particularly citrus. Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk emphasized the importance of supporting farmers to preserve local production and boost the competitiveness of export crops. He highlighted the need for continuous monitoring, farmer outreach, and the implementation of pest control programs to safeguard crops from harmful pests and diseases.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Farouk reiterated the ministry's commitment to overcoming challenges faced by farmers by providing technical support, ensuring optimal productivity, and offering direct agricultural guidance. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding key crops, including strategic and export-oriented ones, to enhance Egypt's position as a leading agricultural producer and exporter.

Dr. Ahmed Rizk, Head of the Central Administration for Pest Control, visited several fruit farms in Beheira Governorate, in the Nile Delta region in northern Egypt, to assess pest control efforts and support citrus farmers as the new season begins. He stressed the importance of intensified field visits and coordination with local agricultural authorities to address pest issues promptly.

The pest monitoring program operates year-round, targeting early identification of outbreaks, especially during the fruit harvest period. Rizk noted that the ministry has increased monitoring efforts to prevent economic losses caused by fruit fly infestations.

Additionally, Rizk visited strawberry farms and emphasized the use of biological pest control methods provided by the ministry at affordable prices, making them seven times cheaper than conventional pesticides. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to educate farmers on sustainable practices and pesticide alternatives to support export opportunities.

During his visit, Rizk commended the collaboration between different ministry sectors, which has effectively reduced the spread of the fall armyworm, with no production losses this year. He also inspected cotton crops, which are in good condition, showing promising yields.