The Most Important Agricultural Crops in Egypt
Many different crops are grown in Egypt during the summer and winter seasons. Among the most important Egyptian agricultural crops are the following:

Fiber Crops
Cotton is the most important fiber crop in Egypt and the main summer crop exported. Egypt is famous for its production of fine cotton, which is distinguished not only by its length but also by its durability, luster, and silky appearance, making it an ideal fabric for the spinning industry.
Cotton cultivation has played a major role in Egyptian life at various economic, social, and political levels since its emergence in the early nineteenth century. Cotton is an important crop that contributes directly to the national economy, given its export importance and the employment opportunities it provides for more than a million workers, distributed between its cultivation and manufacturing. It is worth noting that Egypt ranks second in Africa in terms of cotton production, after Mali. Cereal Crops
Among the most important grains grown in Egypt are:
Rice
Rice is considered one of the main field crops in Egypt, as Egypt has achieved self-sufficiency in its production. It is also the largest rice producer in Africa, with rice grown on an area of ​​approximately 500,000 acres. It ranks second among Egyptian exports after cotton. Therefore, it is a primary source of foreign exchange. The construction of the High Dam has helped expand rice cultivation in Egypt. Given that it is a water-intensive crop, the state determines which governorates are permitted to cultivate and produce it. Wheat
Wheat is one of the most important food grain crops in Egypt. It is the primary ingredient in the bread consumed daily by Egyptians, as well as in sweets and pastries. Wheat also has special economic importance, ranking first in terms of cultivated area and production volume compared to other food grain crops in Egypt. The wheat-cultivated areas in the governorates of Sharqia, Dakahlia, Beheira, Kafr El-Sheikh, Nubaria, and Minya constitute more than 50% of the area cultivated with wheat in Egypt. Corn
Approximately 50% of Egypt’s corn production is used for poultry and livestock feed. Production is concentrated in the governorates of Minya, Sharqia, Menoufia, and Beheira. Corn is a key ingredient in the production of corn oil and fructose, among other products. It accounts for 70% of the production of various feeds for poultry, birds, fish, and animals, thus supporting the white and red meat, egg, dairy, and dairy products industries. Corn flour is also used in numerous industries where its various components are used to produce gelatinous starch, oxidized starch, starch acetate, and others. Corn flour is also mixed with wheat flour to produce bread.Sugar Crops
Sugarcane is the primary sugar crop in Egypt, with approximately 90% of it used for sugar extraction. Its cultivation is concentrated in the Nile Delta. It is an important field crop, contributing 72% of Egypt’s sugar production. The governorates of Qena, Luxor, Minya, Aswan, and Sohag produce more than one million tons of sugar annually. Sugar is a key ingredient in many foodstuffs, such as juices and molasses. Some industries also rely on sugarcane waste, such as molasses, vinegar, alcohol, dried yeast, brewer’s yeast, potassium sulfate, acetone, and alcohol oil, which is used in aromatic industries, among others. Its waste and green leaves are also used during the harvest season to feed livestock. Legume Crops
Pulses in Egypt include many crops, the most important of which are:
Broad beans
Broad beans are considered one of the most important food crops in Egypt, as most of the population relies on them for several reasons, including their high nutritional value. This is due to their high protein content, reaching 28%, carbohydrates at 48%, fats at 3%, and glucose at 2%, in addition to numerous vitamins and other nutrients, and water at 16%. Due to their high protein content and low cost compared to meat products, most people use them as an alternative to animal protein. Broad beans are also used as fertilizer to increase soil fertility due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. Their husks, known as bean straw, are also used in the production of animal and poultry feed. Soybeans
Soybeans are a relatively recent crop introduced to Egypt, having been cultivated since the 1970s. Egypt’s peanut production ranks sixth in the world, and its economic importance is noted. Soybean oil is used in several industries, including margarine, artificial margarine, and dry oils. Soybeans are also used as a primary source of protein and poultry feed, given their protein content of 40-50%. Wheat flour is also mixed with soybean flour to make bread and pies, as it is rich in vegetable protein and fats.
Other Crops
There are many other crops grown in Egypt, the most important of which are:
Vegetables: Tomatoes are among the most important vegetables grown in Egypt, as they are grown during three growing seasons. These are summer, autumn, and winter, covering an area of ​​approximately 3% of the total cultivated area in Egypt. It can be said that tomatoes rank first among Egyptian vegetables, followed by potatoes, both in terms of their monetary value and the total quantity produced. Fruits: The fruits grown in Egypt are citrus fruits, with oranges coming first, representing 85% of the total citrus production and 50% of the total fruit production. In addition to citrus fruits, semi-tropical fruits are grown in Egypt, such as grapes, almonds, and pomes. Fodder: Fodder crops grown in Egypt are diverse, covering a quarter to a half of the cultivated cropland in Egypt. These include clover, which is the main fodder crop in Egypt, and turnips, in addition to those belonging to the legume or grass families, such as turnips, sunflowers, fodder beets, guava, typhoon, and other crops.