Cairo: The New Egyptian Countryside Development Company (NECSDC) has entered into a joint cooperation protocol with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) to enhance expertise in water, soil, and livestock production. This strategic partnership aims to bolster the national project for developing 1.5 million feddans through scientific collaboration, focusing particularly on optimizing methods for desalinating highly saline irrigation water.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the protocol was signed by Amr Abdel Wehab, Chairman and Managing Director of NECSDC, and Nasreddin al Obeid, Director-General of ACSAD, in the presence of el Sayed Khalifa, Head of the Egyptian Agricultural Syndicate and Director of ACSAD's Cairo Office, along with senior representatives from both organizations. The agreement outlines plans to explore salt-tolerant seedlings and seeds and collaboration in enhancing sheep farming and livestock production. Additionally, it seeks to identify affordable alternatives to organic fertilizers for farmers.
Abdel Wahab noted that this protocol aligns with NECSDC's ongoing efforts to support the national project under the sponsorship and direct supervision of the president to reclaim and cultivate 1.5 million feddans. The collaboration underscores the company's commitment to leveraging regional and international expertise in land reclamation and water resource management, reflecting its dedication to supporting farmers by providing optimal agricultural practices and resources to enhance productivity.
The protocol will enhance the technical and scientific capabilities of farmers and land beneficiaries by introducing advanced Arab and regional agricultural practices and modern technologies. It offers practical solutions to typical water-related challenges in barren desert lands, aiming to improve land utilization efficiency. Abdel Wahab highlighted that tackling issues such as desertification, drought, water scarcity, and climate change is crucial, especially since the project primarily relies on desert land and groundwater. NECSDC is addressing these challenges through scientific and technological approaches in collaboration with local and international research centers and by establishing model farms for research.
On his part, Obeid expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, describing it as a strategic step toward enhancing ACSAD's contributions to sustainable agricultural development in Egypt. He affirmed that the initiative aligns with national objectives for food security, natural resource development, and sustainable growth in Egypt and the broader Arab region. Obeid emphasized ACSAD's commitment to fostering partnerships with leading national institutions like NECSDC, which plays a pivotal role in reshaping Egypt's agricultural landscape through the ambitious 1.5 million feddan project.
Obeid praised the significant efforts of Abdel Wahab, noting that the tangible progress in the new Egyptian countryside reflects a bold national vision aimed at achieving integrated, sustainable development, creating job opportunities, empowering rural communities, and strengthening the state's ability to address food and water security challenges.