Egypt’s decision to pay farmers well above global wheat prices is beginning to deliver results, with government purchases of locally produced wheat reaching a record high as authorities seek to reduce the country’s dependence on imports.
The government has already bought 4.6 million metric tonnes of wheat this season, according to official figures, putting it on track to achieve its target of 5 million tonnes before the procurement season ends in mid-August.
The figure has already surpassed last season’s total purchases of about 3.9 million tonnes.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly described the procurement level as an all-time high, highlighting what appears to be a successful effort to boost domestic grain production in one of the world’s largest wheat-importing nations.
Paying more to buy local
