The rise and rise of Egypt's orange production
Farmer's Weekly|June 10, 2022
Egypt has become a global powerhouse in terms of orange production and exports, and its government is aiming to improve production even further.
Janine Ryan
The rise and rise of Egypt's orange production

While many may associate Egypt with pyramids and pharaohs, the country is fast on track to become an agricultural powerhouse in Africa. According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), agriculture contributes 11,3% to Egypt's GDP and accounts for 28% of all employment. While the sector is still largely dominated by smaller farms that use conventional agricultural practices, this is quickly changing as the Egyptian government steps up its investment in the sector.

In 2021, Egypt exported 5,6 million tons of agricultural goods, compared with 5,1 million tons in 2020. According to the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the export of citrus fruit was most significant, with 1,8 million tons exported in 2021. This was followed by fodder beets (650 340t), potatoes (614 424t), onions (276 141t), and grapes (143 450t). Other important export crops include strawberries, pomegranates, beans, guavas, peppers, mangoes, garlic, and watermelons. In this article, we specifically look at Egypt's production of oranges, and the challenges and opportunities in the country in this regard.

ORANGES

Egypt is currently the world's biggest exporter of oranges, which account for around 80% of its total citrus production. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Egypt is expected to retain this ranking, despite an almost 200 000t drop in exports to 1,45 million tons due to unfavorable weather conditions and their impact on production. Egypt's orange exports in 2021 were estimated to be worth around US$843 million (about R13,2 billion).

This story is from the June 10, 2022 edition of Farmer's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 10, 2022 edition of Farmer's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FARMER'S WEEKLYView All
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
Farmer's Weekly

ARC names best dairy producers of the year

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
Farmer's Weekly

Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?

The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Farmer's Weekly

Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax

Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
Farmer's Weekly

Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives

This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Farmer's Weekly

Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative

Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 06, 2024
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
Farmer's Weekly

How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer

While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 06, 2024
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Farmer's Weekly

Living the 'culture' in agriculture

Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 06, 2024
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Farmer's Weekly

Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg

Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 06, 2024
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Farmer's Weekly

African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them

Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 06, 2024
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
Farmer's Weekly

An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA

South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 06, 2024