Egypt registers five new crop varieties to boost food security

Egypt has registered five new grain and vegetable varieties developed by state researchers as part of efforts to boost food security, reduce imports, and improve agricultural productivity, Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk said on Monday.

Farouk said locally developed crop varieties would help improve productivity, address climate challenges, and strengthen food security.

The new varieties were developed by research institutes affiliated with the Agricultural Research Centre (ARC). 

The ARC said the varieties were designed to improve seed quality, increase yields, reduce water consumption and lower reliance on imports.

The registrations include two barley varieties suited to newly reclaimed land, two sweet pepper varieties and one dry bean variety with export potential and improved storage characteristics.

According to the Field Crops Research Institute, the barley varieties are adapted to the New Valley and East Oweinat regions, mature within 125 days, offer higher yields, and are resistant to disease.

The Horticultural Research Institute said the vegetable varieties provide higher productivity, earlier maturity, and improved transport tolerance.