As part of national efforts to achieve food security and promote the cultivation of strategic crops, the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS), led by Dr. Rev. André Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt, announced the launch of Phase Four of the “Azra‘” (“Plant”) initiative for the 2025/2026 wheat season. The initiative is implemented in cooperation with and under the umbrella of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, under the patronage of the Ministry of Social Solidarity, funded by the Ministry’s Rural and Environmental Industries Support and Rural Revival Fund, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation.
In its new phase, the initiative targets supporting and encouraging smallholder farmers in 16 governorates: Beheira, Qalyubia, Dakahlia, Giza, Monufia, Sharqia, Ismailia, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, Assiut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, and New Valley.
The initiative offers two subsidized service packages. Package One provides high-yield wheat seed through outlets of the Central Administration for Seeds, with a 50% subsidy, in addition to technical support. Package Two delivers Farmer Field Schools, follow-up field visits, and ongoing technical assistance for participating farmers.
Mr. Maged Boulos, Director of the “Azra‘” initiative, stated that CEOSS—now implementing the program for the fourth consecutive year—aims to help increase the production and availability of strategic crops, foremost wheat, to strengthen food security and improve smallholders’ incomes by encouraging wheat cultivation and raising productivity. He added that the initiative contributes to reducing the import bill and enhancing farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change.
