Cairo, Egypt — a Promising Wheat Harvest in Egypt Is Expected in 2026, Driven by an Expansion in the Planted Area and Supportive Government Policies.
The 2026 wheat crop, which started in May and is expected to continue until August, is forecasted at approximately 10 million tonnes, a 7 percent increase over the average. This surge in production is attributed to the government’s strategic move to increase procurement prices to EGP 2,500 per ardeb (around USD 300/tonne), a significant 30 percent above international wheat prices.
The government’s aim to bolster strategic stock levels and encourage mechanized farming practices has been further underpinned by the distribution of subsidized certified seeds and fertilizers.
As of mid — June, the government has procured about 4. 7 million tonnes of wheat, marking a 20 percent increase from the same period in 2025. Despite the positive developments, Egypt’s overall food security situation remains complex.
The cereal import requirements for the 2026/27 marketing year are forecasted at 29 million tonnes, 30 percent above the average, driven by rising maize import needs for feed use. Wheat import requirements are also forecasted to be at 13. 5 million tonnes, an 8 percent increase over the average.
Annual food inflation, which eased through much of 2025, resumed an upward trend in early 2026, reflecting the depreciation of the national currency.
The rising prices of fresh vegetables, seafood, meat, bread, and cereals have compounded the challenges faced by the population, particularly the vulnerable groups. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concerns over the food security situation among refugees, with more than 65 percent of refugee households classified as highly or extremely vulnerable and unable to meet basic needs. Persistent funding shortfalls have constrained humanitarian operations, leading to a suspension of cash assistance for thousands of refugees and crisis-affected people.
Despite these challenges, the government’s strategy to enhance wheat self-sufficiency has shown promising results, with the country achieving a wheat self-sufficiency rate of 49 percent in 2024.
The aim is to raise this to 51 percent by 2025, a goal that appears within reach with the current harvest expectations.
As Egypt continues to focus on increasing self — sufficiency in food production, it must also address the broader issues of food accessibility and affordability for all its citizens.
The government’s efforts in this direction are critical not only for national economic stability but also for the overall well-being of its population and, particularly, for the vulnerable groups that are most at risk of food insecurity.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
