Egypt’s potato campaign kicked off at the start of the year amidst a backdrop of uncertainty regarding production volumes, with estimates from producers ranging from optimistic to cautious. Ahmed-Sameh ElDomiaty, Chairman of Domiatec, a leading importer of potato seeds in the country, weighs in on the situation, expressing belief that potato volumes for the season will be slightly lower than the previous year. Despite an increase in cultivated areas, factors such as climate change and quality issues in Europe are hindering production.
ElDomiaty emphasizes the significance of seed imports as a reliable indicator for forecasting production volumes. This season, Egypt imported 116 thousand tons of potato seeds, down from 144 thousand tons the previous season, just below the five-year average. However, lower production does not necessarily mean lower exports, as demand remains high, especially for processing varieties, with a diverse range of markets expressing interest. Domiatec’s focus remains on Western Europe, which presents dynamic opportunities.
Anticipating an inevitable increase in prices due to rising production costs, ElDomiaty highlights the need for adjustments in response to changing production conditions, including the introduction of new potato varieties. Domiatec, as a major importer of potato seeds, maintains stringent selection criteria in collaboration with European partners. They are actively involved in developing and promoting new high-performance varieties to enhance value for Egyptian farmers, paving the way for future advancements in potato cultivation in the country.
