By Ahmed Amin
For the first time in its history, Egypt has successfully grown cotton in the heart of the desert — a feat achieved in El Tor, South Sinai, that could redefine the nation’s approach to farming in arid regions.
Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk praised the breakthrough, crediting it to years of focused innovation and fieldwork led by the Agriculture Research Centre alongside the Cotton Research Institute. By combining advanced irrigation methods, carefully balanced fertilizers, and climate-adaptive farming techniques, the team proved that high-grade cotton can flourish where cultivation was once thought impossible.
Farouk reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing agricultural science beyond the laboratory, ensuring that innovations translate into tangible benefits for both farmers and the national economy.
Agriculture Research Centre chief Adel Abdel Azim noted that the first harvest took only 127 days, aided by South Sinai’s high temperatures. He called the project a model of resilience, showing how Egyptian expertise can overcome challenges like drought, salinity, and extreme heat.
The ministry now plans to roll out similar projects in new locations and provide hands-on training, enabling farmers to adopt cutting-edge cultivation and irrigation practices. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s broader vision to reclaim barren land, fight desertification, and expand the country’s agricultural footprint.
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