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With Egypt relying on imports to meet approximately 90% of its annual vegetable oil requirements, domestic focus is shifting toward non-traditional oilseed crops to bolster local production. Canola has emerged as a high-potential alternative to alleviate the growing import burden, particularly through expansion in newly reclaimed and marginal lands where traditional winter crops often underperform.
Nutrition experts categorize canola oil as one of the finest edible oils globally due to its low saturated fatty acid content, leading to widespread consumption in major markets including Canada, Europe, the United States, India, and Japan. Dr. Wael Taileb, Head of the Oil Crops Research Department at the Agricultural Research Center, highlighted that canola is a primary global source of vegetable oil, ranking third after palm oil and soybean oil.
Technical data indicates that canola is cultivated in Egypt as a winter crop, with oil content in domestic varieties ranging from 40% to 45%. Key varieties include 'Abactolip' at 40%, 'Asro 4B' at 42%, and 'Misr 1B', which reaches up to 45%. These crops exhibit exceptional resilience to harsh environmental conditions, thriving in sandy soils and saline lands with salinity levels reaching up to 8,000 parts per million (ppm).
Regarding yields, Dr. Taileb noted that one feddan (approx. one acre) produces between 900 and 1,500 kilograms of seeds, depending on adherence to technical recommendations for cultivation and harvesting. The economic value of canola extends beyond oil; the remaining stalks can be treated with molasses and urea to create high-quality animal feed.
Expansion plans target specific geographical zones, including Moghra in Matrouh, Port Said, West Sohag, the New Valley, Nubaria, and Al-Marashda in Qena, alongside the New Delta project. Dr. Mohamed Mubarak, Professor of Crop Breeding at Arish University, pointed to successful trials in North Sinai since 2010, confirming that the planting season spans October to December, with harvesting taking place from April to June.
Experts agree that sustainable expansion requires the full implementation of a 'contract farming' system. Establishing guaranteed purchase agreements is essential to address farmers' marketing concerns and ensure a consistent flow of raw materials to local oil extraction facilities.
Source: Akhbar El-Yom