Projects

Tomato Crop Protection (Regwa & Nubaria)

Development of insecticide product targeting whitefly control on tomato crop at the Regwaa and Nubaria sites. Tomatoes are a vital cash crop in Egypt, with regions like Regwaa (known for its intensive agriculture) and Nubaria (a major reclaimed agricultural area) being significant production hubs. However, these areas also provide ideal conditions for whitefly proliferation – warm temperatures, susceptible host plants, and continuous cropping cycles.

Tomatoes are considered one of the most important vegetable crops in Egypt. Their importance is not limited to being a staple ingredient in Egyptian cuisine, but extends to vital economic, social, and agricultural dimensions. Tomatoes contribute significantly to supporting the agricultural GDP, as they are grown across vast areas in various governorates of Egypt. In the 2022/2023 season, the area under tomato cultivation reached approximately 394,800 Feddan, compared to approximately 375,300 Feddan in the previous season, an increase of approximately 5.2%. In 2022/2023, tomatoes accounted for approximately 28% of total vegetable production. Egypt is one of the largest exporters of tomatoes in the world, particularly to markets in Eastern Europe, the Arabian Gulf, and Russia. This sector provides hard currency and supports the balance of payments. Egypt is ranked among the largest tomato-producing countries in the world (ranked approximately fifth). It has a significant share of global production. It is a primary source of income for thousands of Egyptian families, from small farmers to large producers. It also provides employment opportunities in post-harvest stages such as packaging, transportation, and handling. Main governorates and regions: Nubaria was the largest producer of tomatoes, producing approximately 1.5 million tons, representing approximately 20.6% of the total production. It was followed by Sharqia Governorate (656,661 tons), then Alexandria (539,510 tons).