
Egypt's Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk announced that the country's wheat imports have decreased to approximately 12.5 million tons this year, a reduction of 700,000 tons from 13.2 million tons last year. Domestic wheat production has increased to over 10 million tons, marking a 6.5% rise from the previous year. The government's supply system is nearing its target of 5 million tons, cultivated across 3.76 million acres, an increase of up to 600,000 acres. Farouk highlighted the state's focus on boosting productivity and implementing a contract farming system, which offers farmers guaranteed prices, direct links to factories, and technical support. Average productivity per acre has improved to 18 to 20 ardabs, with some farms achieving 28 ardabs per acre using advanced technologies. This growth is attributed to a rewarding supply price of 2,500 EGP per ardab, an incentive guided by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the development of high-yielding, climate-tolerant varieties through research programs, which have produced about 60 new varieties and hybrids in the last three years.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Must ReadForeign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and T眉rkiye, alongside the US President鈥檚 Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, convened in Cairo on June 20, 2026, to discuss various regional issues. The participants included Egypt鈥檚 Badr Abdelatty, Saudi Arabia鈥檚 Prince Faisal bin Farhan, T眉rkiye鈥檚 Hakan Fidan, and US adviser Massad Boulos. Key topics included the Iran deal, developments in Africa such as Libya, and the Palestinian cause. The talks emphasized a recent memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, highlighting its role in reducing tensions and enhancing regional security. Regarding Libya, officials stressed the importance of preserving unity and sovereignty, advancing the political process, and unifying state institutions. Discussions also covered the Gaza Strip and broader African affairs, aiming to strengthen coordination for continental security and stability.
Must ReadRania Al-Mashat officially took her oath of office on June 19, 2026, before United Nations Secretary-General Ant贸nio Guterres, assuming the roles of United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia ESCWA. Al-Mashat expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her, noting the pivotal moment as the UN system undergoes reforms to address current demands and global challenges. Her vision for UNESCWA includes strengthening its role in supporting national policies and development strategies, expanding regional cooperation, and identifying common interests among member states. Key priorities include developing a regional narrative based on mutual benefit and knowledge exchange, expanding cooperation and integration among UNESCWA's 21 Member States, and reinforcing the motto "Shared Prosperity, Dignified Life" by ensuring policies yield tangible benefits for young people, women, and communities. In her new capacity, Al-Mashat will lead efforts to advance inclusive development, strengthen regional integration, and promote economic and digital transformation agendas within the Member States.

Israeli gunfire and airstrikes on Saturday killed at least nine people in the Gaza Strip, among them a child and Al Jazeera Mubasher cameraman Ahmed Washah. The strikes hit Gaza City and Khan Younis, continuing near-daily attacks despite a ceasefire agreement that began in October 2025. Since the ceasefire, 1,007 people have been killed and 3,165 injured, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to over 73,000, with more than 173,000 wounded. UNICEF stated on Friday that 265 children have died since the ceasefire took effect, describing it as a "deadly illusion."