Cairo: Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Farouk announced that farmers are receiving annually more than 2.4 million tons of subsidized fertilizers during the summer and winter seasons, at a total cost exceeding EGP 40 billion. This initiative is made possible through cooperation with the Ministry of Petroleum.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the State's agricultural strategy, within the framework of 'Egypt Vision 2030,' is based on several key pillars. The top priority is providing direct financial support through low-interest loans at a 5 percent interest rate. The minister made these remarks during a meeting held by the Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of Farmers' Day.

These loans are granted to farmers to purchase agricultural inputs and are expected to be repaid at the end of the farming season, Farouk explained. He also highlighted the number of initiatives launched by the ministry to support the agricultural sector under the sponsorship of the Central Bank of Egypt (CIB).

The minister revealed that financial support for farmers exceeds EGP 4 billion, facilitated through collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the CIB. Digital systems have been activated by 90 percent to regulate fertilizer distribution, ensuring subsidies are effectively reaching those who need them most, particularly small-scale farmers.

Due to technical guidance and modern farming and irrigation practices, Egypt has successfully overcome export barriers such as potato brown rot. This achievement has positioned the country as one of the world's leading potato exporters. The minister also noted that new agricultural wastewater treatment and recycling plants have been established, contributing to the expansion of Egypt's cultivated land.