May 17, 2013
Egypt may reach self-sufficiency in wheat in 2017
Within four years, Egypt can reach self-sufficiency in wheat after which it will not need to import wheat again.
This is according to Egypt President Mohamed Mursi on Wednesday (May 15).
With an annual consumption of 18.8 million tonnes annually, Egypt imports around half of its wheat.
According to USDA statistics, Egypt's 2012-13 wheat imports are estimated at 9.5 million tonnes.
Compared to the previous year, wheat production is up by 30% this year at 9.5 billion tonnes, stated Mursi. Wheat production is expected to reach 12 million tonnes in two years.
The government supports farmers, the president said, adding that farmers' demands will be met to enable them to increase production within the coming years.
