Egypt: UN project raises hopes of pomegranate export

Egyptian farmers who are members of the Assiut-governorate-based Al Badary Farmers’ Association now have great hopes of exporting pomegranates to international markets.

Tests recently conducted have demonstrated that 85% of the fruit grown comply with European Union regulations.

The farmers received technical support from the "Pro-Poor Horticulture Value Chains in Upper Egypt" programme. The programme, known as SALASEL is a major UN joint effort financed by the Spanish Millennium Development Achievement Fund.

Four UN organizations are involved in the SALASEL joint program, namely; the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and UN Women. The UN agencies are partnering with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry as well as the General Authority for Investment (GAFI) with an aim to boost Egyptian exports and introduce new industries to the region.

The high level of production across the region makes pomegranates a major strategic crop for Egypt with a high potential for export. However, the heavy use of pesticides and outdated pruning techniques has, up to now, restricted international sales.

Source: bikyamasr.com