The agricultural sector in Egypt is facing a severe crisis due to a significant decline in the supply of fertilizers, which has led to skyrocketing prices and threatens the livelihoods of farmers. The cost of fertilizers has surged nearly threefold in recent months, exacerbated by a natural gas shortage and rising global energy prices. Farmers across the country are struggling to secure their quotas of subsidized fertilizers, leading many to turn to the black market where prices are exorbitantly high.
Farmers like Engineer Marwa Youssef from Alexandria have reported not receiving their full share of fertilizers for consecutive months, jeopardizing their summer crops. The government has pledged to address the crisis, yet many parliamentary representatives are demanding a concrete plan to resolve the fertilizer shortage and alleviate the challenges faced by farmers. The situation is further complicated by the rising inflation rate affecting the prices of fruits and vegetables, which are at record highs due to the fertilizer crisis and climate change.
The head of the General Farmers Syndicate has warned that the agricultural sector is in a precarious state, as the shortage of fertilizers could lead to diminished agricultural output and increased prices in the market. With the cost of urea fertilizer reaching 21,000 pounds ($426.84) per ton in the free market, many farmers are being pushed to reduce their cultivated areas, threatening food supply and economic stability.
Amidst the chaos, the Ministry of Agriculture has indicated that they are working to distribute available fertilizers more effectively, but the actual supply has fallen short of demand. With the agricultural sector being a crucial part of Egypt's economy, the fertilizer crisis poses not only a threat to farmers but also to the overall food security of the nation.
- The fertilizer crisis in Egypt has been attributed to multiple factors, including the misallocation of subsidized fertilizers, which has led to disparities in distribution among farmers. Some farmers are receiving their quotas while others are left without, prompting accusations of corruption and inefficiency in the distribution system. This has also resulted in the emergence of adulterated fertilizers in the market, further complicating the situation for farmers who are already struggling to cope with high prices.
- Economic experts have expressed concern that without immediate government intervention, the agricultural sector could face long-term repercussions, including a decrease in export revenues and a rise in food prices that would further strain the purchasing power of citizens. The government is under pressure to implement effective solutions to ensure that farmers receive the necessary support and resources to sustain their livelihoods.
