Egypt has launched a new phase of its national “Ezraa” (“Plant”) initiative, which aims to strengthen food security and boost wheat cultivation among small-scale farmers by reinforcing collaboration between the government and civil society to support agricultural development across rural Egypt.

The initiative is designed to increase the role of smallholder farmers in producing strategic crops, particularly wheat, by offering access to high-yield seeds, technical support, and agricultural training through field schools. The goal is to improve productivity per feddan, raise farmers’ incomes, and reduce Egypt’s reliance on imported wheat.

Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy said this phase aligns with broader social protection efforts, noting that 18% of participating farmers are enrolled in the “Takaful and Karama” program.

The Ministry will also subsidize 50% of seed costs through the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund. This phase targets the cultivation of one million feddans, with a strong emphasis on productivity and sustainability.

Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk underscored the collaborative nature of the initiative, which brings together multiple ministries, the National Alliance, and CEOSS. He emphasized the need to support small-scale farmers, improve agricultural output, and ensure the sustainable cultivation of strategic crops like wheat. Farouk also highlighted the importance of enhancing land and water efficiency to deliver lasting benefits to rural communities.

To ensure success, he directed the Agricultural Research Centre, Agricultural Services Sector, and relevant departments to provide technical guidance throughout wheat production. He also stressed the need for clear performance indicators and the active inclusion of rural women to maximize community impact.

Khaled Abdel Aziz, Chairperson of the National Alliance for Civil and Development Work, hailed the initiative as a model of effective civil society collaboration toward sustainable development and wheat self-sufficiency.

The new phase of Ezraa marks a key step in Egypt’s efforts to build a more resilient agricultural sector by supporting small farmers and strengthening food security.