Egypt

Potato cultivation in Egypt plays a pivotal role in the nation’s agricultural economy, making it the second most important vegetable crop after tomatoes, with a total production of approximately 6.87 million tonnes of potatoes and 423,423 tonnes of sweet potatoes in 2023 (FAO).

The major potato-growing regions include the fertile Nile Delta, particularly the governorates of Beheira, Menoufia, Sharqia, Dakahlia, Gharbia, Alexandria, and Daqahlia, where established irrigation networks from the Nile ensure consistent yields. Middle Egypt, encompassing areas such as Giza and Minia, also contributes significantly due to favorable climate and access to Nile water. Newly reclaimed desert regions like Nubaria and Wadi El-Natrun, as well as emerging zones such as Beni Suef, are experiencing rapid agricultural development through advanced irrigation and land reclamation projects. Egyptian potato farming is entirely irrigation-dependent, with increasing reliance on groundwater in desert zones.

The primary varieties cultivated include Spunta (the dominant export variety), Cara, Alpha, Mirka, Famosa, and Origo, mostly of Dutch, French, and German origin. Processing-focused varieties such as Lady Rosetta and Hermes are grown for chips, while Agria, Santana, and Diamant are used for French fries. To combat soil salinity in reclaimed lands, resilient varieties like Sagitta and the HZPC hybrid “2890” have been introduced for improved yield under stress conditions. Egypt’s potato production operates across two main seasons: the winter season (September to January), which targets export markets including Europe, and the spring season (January to June), which serves domestic consumption and the processing industry.

Potatoes were introduced to Egypt in the 19th century, most likely by British colonial officials during their administration. While initially cultivated on a limited scale, large-scale production began during World War I when the British government distributed seed potatoes to Egyptian farmers to support food supply for Allied troops stationed in the region. This initiative provided free seed with the expectation of repayment in kind and marked the beginning of more systematic cultivation.

Following the war, expansion was slowed by the high cost and inconsistent quality of imported seed potatoes, as well as limited farmer experience. To address these challenges, the Central Potato Co-op was established in 1936, later evolving into the Potato Growers’ Cooperative (PGC), which played a vital role in research, extension services, seed distribution, and market organization. By the mid-20th century, potatoes had become integral to Egyptian agriculture. The PGC enhanced its infrastructure by building cold storage facilities and initiating seed multiplication programs. In 1959, it was granted exclusive rights to import seed potatoes, improving quality and consistency across farms.

From the 1960s onward, Egypt's potato sector experienced rapid growth, especially in irrigated areas of the Nile Delta and Middle Egypt. By the early 2000s, Egypt had emerged as Africa’s leading potato producer and one of the top exporters globally. Today, major potato-producing governorates such as Beheira, Gharbia, Menofia, and Sharkia contribute significantly to national output, with potatoes serving as Egypt’s most valuable export vegetable, destined primarily for European and Arab markets.