Lang
Sunflower plants have brightened the desert of South Sinai after a successful cultivation trial in the farms of Al-Wadi village, affiliated with El Tor city, for the third consecutive year.
The crop has become one of the area’s key agricultural options because of its ability to tolerate saline water, in addition to offering strong economic returns for farmers.
Dr. Mohamed Shata, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, said sunflower plants adapt effectively to various environmental conditions and soil characteristics. They can tolerate drought, frost, and heat, and are well suited to cultivation in the governorate.
He added that sunflowers provide strong economic returns for farmers, which is why cultivation has started to spread in South Sinai.
Shata said South Sinai’s soil is still largely virgin and suitable for many crops. However, crops should be selected based on water salinity and climate conditions to ensure positive returns for farmers, encourage agricultural expansion, support local self-sufficiency, and generate viable profits, especially given the high cost of farming in the governorate.
He explained that the agriculture directorate is keen to support farmers by providing fertilizers and seeds at reduced prices, as well as intensifying agricultural campaigns to guide farmers and raise awareness of cultivation, irrigation, grazing, and crop-care practices from planting to harvest.
He noted that sunflower farms are being supported to encourage wider cultivation because the crop does not require high costs despite its significant economic returns. Sunflower seeds contain a high percentage of oil and are also used in animal feed production.
Engineer Ali Megahed, who manages one of the farms in El Tor, said the trial proved the success of sunflower cultivation and that yield per feddan has increased year after year due to careful selection of hybrid varieties suitable for the soil and climate.
He said shorter sunflower varieties are better for the governorate because of the risk of strong winds and storms.
Megahed added that sunflower flowers have high economic value because their seeds contain a high percentage of quality vegetable oil. Their leaves can also be used in livestock and poultry feed, yellow food pigments can be produced from the flower petals, and the seeds are among the most popular nuts worldwide.
He said sunflower productivity per feddan in South Sinai is very high because of fertile soil and the plant’s ability to adapt to harsh climatic conditions.
Source: Masrawy