The export campaign for Egyptian potatoes is drawing to a close, with the last containers to Europe scheduled for July 10th. According to Mohammad Hassan, Export Manager at Plantix-Al Gamal, the season has been very successful and the industry has taken a giant leap forward.
"Egyptian growers followed the growing global need for potatoes, in the context of worldwide shortages, and significantly increased their production. Demand was at the rendezvous and the campaign went very well," said the exporter.
"Between the start of the campaign on January 15th, and June 10th, the date of the latest official statistics available, Egypt exported 786,468 tons of potatoes, 40% more than last year. The final figure will obviously be higher. Potatoes now rank second on the podium of Egyptian agricultural exports, after citrus fruits." adds Mohammad.
European markets account for a large part of this new demand, according to the exporter. "Spain, Greece, Italy, and Croatia have maintained very high demand throughout the season. On the other hand, other European countries such as Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands, and Russia showed normal to low interest. Demand from our African markets was also solid. The most exported varieties this season were Spunta, Mondial, Diamant, Lady Rosetta, and Hermes."
"Growers and exporters are also pleased with better prices than last year," adds Mohammad, "but we expect higher prices for next season, as production costs continue to rise."
The Egyptian potato industry benefits from favorable climatic conditions and vast fertile lands in the desert. According to Mohammad, the sector has not been too badly affected by climatic disruptions, notably the phenomenon known locally as Nadaw, a long cold snap which causes a disease affecting potatoes and reducing sizes and yields. "The biggest problem we encountered was logistical complications and congestion in the ports of departure and destination, given the huge volumes in millions of tons of potatoes, citrus, onions, and other products that were being exported at the same time."
The potato sector is also benefiting from special attention from the Egyptian government, concludes Mohammad, "The government has devoted a great deal of effort to reclaiming huge arable areas, and making them available to public and private companies." The Egyptian government has launched large-scale programs to reclaim desert land, notably the "New Delta" megaproject, which covers 924,000 hectares of different crops. Potatoes are one of the strategic crops targeted by this project to meet the growing domestic and foreign demand.
For more information:
Mohammad Hassan
Al Gamal-Plantix Group
Whatsapp: +201157845538
Email: [email protected]
www.plantix-eg.com