Cotton farmers in Egypt have commenced the harvest season, bolstered by new government incentives aimed at increasing their profits and supporting the country’s agricultural sector.
Farmers in Menoufia Governorate, just north of Cairo, are reporting a successful start to the season, with increased cotton prices introduced by the government providing a significant financial boost. “The government’s support has given us a sense of security,” said Hossam Saeed, a local farmer. “It promises that our hard work will be valued and encourages us to keep going.”
This year, the price of a medium-staple kantar (approximately 157 kilograms of seed cotton) has risen to 10,000 Egyptian pounds ($206), while a long-staple kantar now sells for 12,000 Egyptian pounds. These rates represent a substantial increase from last year’s prices of 4,500 and 5,500 Egyptian pounds, respectively.
The Egyptian government’s efforts to revitalize the cotton industry are part of a broader strategy to double production. The Ministry of Agriculture has introduced new seed varieties that are climate-resilient and mature earlier, leading to higher yields. “We are also adopting sustainable farming practices to align with international standards and ensure the production of clean cotton,” said Mostafa Emara, spokesman for Egypt’s Cotton Research Institute.
A trading system introduced in 2019 has also improved the global competitiveness of Egyptian cotton by directly linking farmers to international markets. As a result, the area dedicated to cotton cultivation has expanded to 311,000 acres this season, up from 255,000 acres last year, with production expected to exceed 2 million kantars compared to last year’s 1.3 million.
The government aims to further increase cotton cultivation to 750,000 acres by 2030, ensuring a thriving future for Egypt’s cotton industry.
Farmers like Saeed are optimistic about the future. “With these prices, we can sustain our livelihoods and invest in better farming practices,” he said.
