Egypt grows cotton in the desert for the first time

Egypt grows cotton in the desert for the first time in South Sinai

Egypt has achieved a significant agricultural milestone by successfully cultivating cotton in desert conditions for the first time. The breakthrough was announced by Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk following field trials conducted in El Tor, South Sinai, by the Cotton Research Institute.

Trials use advanced irrigation and fertilization methods

The trials incorporated modern irrigation systems and carefully optimized fertilization to adapt cotton cultivation to the region’s arid environment. According to Farouk, the achievement demonstrates how agricultural research can be effectively applied in the field, yielding tangible benefits for farmers and the national economy.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to backing research-driven farming projects that aim to increase productivity and expand cultivation into new areas.

Six cotton varieties tested under extreme conditions

Adel Abdel Azim, head of the Agricultural Research Center, reported that six cotton genotypes were tested during the trials, including “Super Giza 86,” “Super Giza 94,” “Super Giza 97,” and three experimental varieties.

Thanks to South Sinai’s high temperatures, the first harvest was achieved in just 127 days after planting—significantly faster than typical cotton growing cycles.

Resilient crops offer new solutions to climate challenges

Abdel Azim highlighted that the project’s success showcases Egypt’s ability to develop crop strains capable of withstanding drought, soil salinity, and extreme heat. These traits are increasingly vital as climate change poses mounting threats to agricultural production worldwide.

Plans are already underway to replicate the model in other governorates, with training programs to introduce farmers to the latest irrigation systems and farming techniques.