Egypt: Uncertainty over volumes of Egyptian potatoes

Abdelkader Alhabony, producer of a variety of fresh produce, told FreshPlaza: "Large areas recently reclaimed as part of government projects have been harvested this season, which has significantly increased potato volumes. Productivity in these areas, located in the desert, is higher and pesticide residues are lower. Tuber size is also varied and suitable for export, from size 55 and up. All the most popular varieties, whether for direct consumption or for the processing industry, are available in abundance. I estimate the increase in production to be around 2.5 million tonnes, taking into account the new areas brought into production. This is fortunate, as we are also seeing a considerable increase in demand, given the adverse climate for potato production in Europe." Abdelkader Alhabony, CEO of Alhabony Group However, another Egyptian potato grower disagrees and argues, "Despite the increase in acreage, volumes will not exceed those of last season, and may even be lower. ...