The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture is seeking to develop its exports with a new plan to increase production this year. Hussein Henawy, head of the Union of Producers and Exporters of Horticultural Crops (UPEHC) affiliated to the Ministry of Agriculture, said that the government seeks to maximise its horticultural exports revenue, especially after Egypt occupied second place globally in citrus exports at the end of 2015.
He added that the union works on the development of agricultural activities in cooperation with small farmers to increase exports by 50%. Henawy pointed out that the Egyptian farmer will receive a certificate attesting to his following of standard agricultural practices, which ensures the absence of pesticide residues.
The Ministry of Agriculture has signed a protocol of cooperation with some international donors of these certificates to small farmers, and another agreement with the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services to train about 52,000 young people on standard agriculture activities.
He added that agricultural exports increased to 3.5m tonnes in 2016 compared to 3.3m tonnes in 2015.
source: dailynewsegypt.com
