The One and a half Million Acres Project... Egypt's bet on agricultural sustainability and a secure future for food
The One and a half Million Acres Project.. Egypt’s bet on agricultural sustainability and a secure future for food
In the heart of the expansive desert, a national project is taking shape that carries within it an ancient dream for modern Egypt: transforming sand into green land, and creating a more stable future based on sustainable agriculture and balanced development. The One and a half Million Acres Project, which is part of a broader vision adopted by the state under the umbrella of the “Step towards the Future” program, has today become a tangible reality, attested by the scale of achievement achieved, the number of companies operating in it, and the areas cultivated and delivered to beneficiaries.
In a meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Major General Engineer Amr Abdel Wahab, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New Egyptian Rural Development Company, the features of this project appeared more clearly, as the meeting reviewed what had been accomplished on the ground in terms of infrastructure, construction, and electricity and water networks, in addition to the development of the situation in multiple locations covering vast areas of the Republic. It has become clear that the project seeks to establish sustainable urban communities, in which agriculture will play a locomotive role in moving the wheel of development.
In this article, theThe Earth Guards FoundationIn this report, the dimensions of this national project will be discussed, from the size of the achievements achieved so far, to the role of companies and investors, and to the strategic implications the project carries in terms of food security and sustainable development in Egypt. So keep reading.
Infrastructure for the One and a half Million Acres Project
Success in any development project begins with the infrastructure, and this is what the New Egyptian Rural Development Company realized from the first moment; The Chairman of its Board of Directors’ review of construction efforts, facilities, roads, drilling wells, and establishing desalination plants came as an image that reflects the scale of the effort being made to transform the desert into arable land. Providing water, electricity, and road networks is a prerequisite to ensuring the project’s long-term success, attracting investors, and providing a decent life for the new communities that will emerge around these lands.
The infrastructure here is not just asphalt lines or electrical cables, but rather an integrated system built according to a vision closely linked to the concept of sustainability. Desalination plants - for example - reflect the state's keenness to confront the challenges of water scarcity through innovative solutions that ensure the continuity of agricultural activity, and drilling wells represents an attempt to benefit from groundwater resources in an organized manner, in a way that maintains the environmental balance and prevents random depletion.
Electricity network planning
In addition, the thoughtful planning of electricity networks opens the door to rational use of energy, and establishes the possibility of integrating renewable energy sources in the future into the project system, and here the environmental dimension clearly appears, as the project becomes a model of a difficult equation: increasing the agricultural area without harming natural resources.
It should be noted that this infrastructure does not only serve the earth, but also serves humans. It represents the cornerstone for establishing new, integrated urban communities that can attract residents and provide them with the necessities of modern life, from schools and health services to various job opportunities, which makes the project go beyond the boundaries of agriculture to become a comprehensive civilizational project.
Extensive reclamation and empowerment of farmers
The numbers indicate that what has been reclaimed and cultivated so far has reached about 440 thousand acres, while the areas delivered to beneficiaries have reached 875 thousand acres. These numbers reveal a real transformation on the ground, and the project’s transition from a mere strategic vision to a tangible reality that changes the agricultural map in Egypt.
Delivering these spaces to beneficiaries reflects the state’s commitment to empowering small farmers and youth, which opens the way for broad community participation in building the future of food in Egypt. The beneficiary here is not just a traditional farmer, but rather is part of a national project that seeks to achieve food security for future generations, and thus the project becomes a tool for a fair distribution of opportunities, and an example of linking national policies with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to social justice and equality.
The challenge of sustainability of cultivated areas
However, the biggest challenge remains how to ensure the sustainability of these cultivated areas, and here the vital role of the companies working in the project appears, which exceed4500a company distributed in different locations. These companies represent a diversity of experiences and investments, and contribute to the introduction of modern technologies and advanced agricultural methods. Which enhances land productivity and increases the efficiency of resource use.
The diversity of crops grown according to the nature of each site adds another dimension to sustainability. It ensures food diversity that protects against fluctuations in global markets, and achieves a balance between strategic and food crops. This diversity reflects a deep understanding of the necessity of managing the land in a scientific and thoughtful manner, in a way that preserves its fertility and ensures the continuity of production in the long term.
Schools and digital services to support new communities
The achievements in the One and a Half Million Acres Project are not limited to the agricultural aspect only, but also extend to building the basic necessities of life. The New Egyptian Countryside School for Basic Education in Al-Ghara has been completed, which reflects a comprehensive vision for establishing an integrated society, where education is viewed as a pivotal investment in the human element capable of leading the future of development.
In the same context, the agricultural sector is witnessing an important modernization through the issuance of approximately 3,200 “farmer cards” until the end of 2024. This smart card not only facilitates support and financing, but also creates an accurate database that helps the state develop more efficient plans for the future, which strengthens the connection between agriculture and modern technology.
To keep pace with this trend, electronic services have been activated that allow farmers to register and submit applications remotely, which represents a qualitative shift in project management. This step reduces bureaucracy, saves time and effort, enhances transparency, and reflects a real quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that call for building strong institutions capable of serving citizens efficiently.
In light of these achievements, theThe Earth Guards Foundation confirms that the One and a Half Million Acres Project is an integrated civilizational project that seeks to build a sustainable food future for Egypt; Through land reclamation, empowering youth and farmers, attracting investments, and developing infrastructure, the project lays solid foundations for achieving food security, confronting challenges, and promoting sustainable development in all its dimensions.
The true value of the One and a Half Million Acres Project is evident in consolidating the concept of sustainable agriculture as a strategic choice for Egypt, as the project reflects the state’s ability to manage land and natural resources rationally, and innovate production patterns that take into account the balance between the requirements of the present and the rights of future generations.
