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Al-Ahram Weekly
5 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Strategies on sugar - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt has learned valuable lessons from the sugar crisis of 2023, ensuring adequate supplies of the strategic commodity this year. Egypt is the second-largest consumer of sugar globally, with per capita consumption reaching 34 kg per year, compared to three kg per person in Europe. This is why the sugar shortage, which began in November 2023 and spilled over to mid-2024, led the government to declare sugar a strategic commodity and to take stringent measures to prevent its recurrence. As part of the preparations for the 2024 sugarcane planting season, the government set the procurement price for sugarcane supplied to factories at LE2,500 per ton. The Sugar and Integrated Industries Company, a subsidiary of the Holding Company for Food Industries, announced that all factories were operational for the 2025 season and targeted to purchase six million tons of sugarcane. The sugarcane planting seasons take place from mid-March to the end of June and from mid-September to the end of November. Up until 23 February, the Sugar and Integrated Industries Company had received 2,637 million tons of sugarcane, resulting in the production of 275,000 tons of white sugar, said Sherif Farouk, minister of supply and internal trade, in late February. He noted that the sugar stock covered more than a year, enhancing food security and stabilising market prices. Somewhere between 320,000 and 350,000 feddans were planted with sugarcane during the past season, said Ayman Hosni, director of the Sugar Crops Institute. For sugar production, Egypt depends on sugar cane and beetroot, planted in Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt, respectively, and avoiding any overlap in the cultivated areas, Hosni stated. Farmers grew more interested in planting sugarcane and improving yields following the 2023 shortage. At present, a feddan of sugarcane yields an average of 55 tons, with some areas achieving yields of 70 to 80 tons per feddan, he noted. Despite meeting local demand, Hosni said that Egypt is unlikely to achieve complete self-sufficiency in sugar due to the increasing population and demand for the commodity from several industries. He noted that sugar supports 33 related industries such as paper, honey, yeast, alcohol, organic acids, vinegar, plastics, and animal feed. He is confident, however, that the country can reduce the supply gap and ensure price stability. In 2022, the state ordered the construction of two sugarcane seedling production stations in Aswan's Kom Ombo and Wadi Al-Saayda at a cost of LE470 million, with the second costing LE350 million alone. One of the stations is undergoing trial production, while the second is still being commissioned. Instructions were given to accelerate the facilities' construction following the 2023 sugar shortage. Mustafa Selim, a consultant on tissue culture production for sugarcane seedlings who works in Upper Egypt, said that Egypt's sugar factories operate a number of their own farms, which supply part of their needs. The farms use modern technologies, including greenhouses and organic farming practices, and are equipped with tissue culture seedling production units. The cost of one unit may reach up to LE15 million, but the units are important for the production of high-quality sugarcane strains and higher quantities. Since 2024, demand for sugar has risen, as has interest among sugarcane farmers due to the increase in the guaranteed price set by the government and lucrative market prices. Demand has also increased on the part of juice producers and molasses and yeast manufacturers, whose products have almost doubled in price. Unlike state-owned companies, which purchase sugarcane by the ton, private buyers purchase by the feddan. Technologies used in seedling production reduce 30 per cent of production costs and increase yield by 40 per cent, allowing farmers to make attractive profits, Selim explained. He lauded the government's efforts at addressing the sugar shortage, its early announcement of indicative prices, and its decision to open the market to more industries allowing demand for sugarcane to increase and ensuring its availability in the local market. He urged the Ministry of Agriculture to incorporate tissue culture laboratories in seedling production stations, given their role in preserving crop varieties and improving productivity. He added that this technology can also be applied to other crops, including vegetables and fruits, whose seedlings could be produced in the same facilities. While the initial investment is high, the economic return is equally significant, he pointed out. * A version of this article appears in print in the 24 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Independent
15-07-2025
- Health
- Egypt Independent
Coronavirus response chief assures new variant not in Egypt yet
The Head of the Scientific Committee to Combat Coronavirus at Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population Hossam Hosni said on Monday that the new variant 'NB.1.8.1,' also known as 'Nimbus,' has not yet been detected in Egypt, RT reported. In a phone interview with Al-Nahar TV, Hosni explained that this variant has been classified by the World Health Organization as concerning, due to its rapid spread and ability to overcome resistance acquired through vaccinations or previous infection. Fortunately, it is not particularly fatal, he added. 'All surveillance methods have confirmed that the virus has not entered Egypt,' he said, explaining that the symptoms currently prevalent among some patients in Egypt are the result of other viral infections such as influenza, and not the Coronavirus. Hosni said that conventional medications, not including antibiotics, are capable of dealing with the effects of infection with the new variant. Symptoms in patients may be severe but can be managed medically, he said. He also noted that some patients experience symptoms affecting their voice, a consequence of damage to the vocal cords as part of the respiratory system.
Al-Ahram Weekly
14-07-2025
- Health
- Al-Ahram Weekly
New COVID variant not detected in Egypt: Health official - Health
The new coronavirus variant NB.1.8.1, also known as Nimbus and currently under monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO), has not been detected in Egypt, according to a senior health official. 'All surveillance methods have confirmed that the virus has not entered Egypt,' said Hossam Hosni, head of the Health Ministry's Scientific Committee to Combat Coronavirus, in a televised interview on Al-Nahar TV Monday evening. Hosni described the variant as highly contagious due to its ability to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. 'This variant has been able to develop itself and challenge the immunity acquired through previous infections or vaccinations,' he said. While the symptoms resemble those of a severe cold—fever, body aches, weakness, sore throat, red eyes, and some gastrointestinal effects—Hosni stressed that cases linked to the variant are generally not fatal. He noted that treatment continues to rely on standard medications. Antibiotics and antivirals are typically reserved for high-risk groups, including the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and patients with chronic illnesses. The variant has been linked to a summer resurgence of COVID-19 cases in several countries, including China and the United States. In May, the WHO designated NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring' and assessed its additional public health risk as low. COVID-19 caused significant disruption in Egypt in 2020 and 2021 before subsiding in 2022. The WHO ended its pandemic emergency designation in May 2023, shifting global focus toward managing COVID-19 alongside other respiratory viruses. Egypt has recorded various coronavirus mutations in recent years, though few led to critical illness, according to health officials. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Muscat Daily
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Summer heat raises vehicle fire risk in Oman
Muscat – As summer temperatures rise across Oman, transport and safety experts are urging motorists to carry out regular vehicle maintenance to prevent breakdowns, fires, and accidents. In recent weeks, several vehicle-fires have been reported in different governorates, with images of burning cars widely circulated on social media. Experts say many of these incidents could have been avoided through routine checks and increased awareness of heat-related mechanical risks. 'It's critical that motorists inspect their vehicles regularly and ensure they are properly maintained,' said Nasser al Hosni, manager of Happy Line Transportation Company. 'Neglecting basic upkeep in these conditions can lead to serious mechanical failures or even fires.' Hosni advised drivers not to ignore warning signs such as fuel odour, oil leaks, or a drop in radiator water levels. 'These are often early indicators of potentially dangerous issues,' he said. 'Also, make sure there are no exposed or frayed wires in the engine bay, as high temperatures can worsen electrical problems.' He also recommended frequent checks of tyre pressure, battery condition and air conditioning systems. 'We see a significant increase in vehicle-related incidents in the hotter months due to overheating and tyre bursts. Regular inspections can prevent most of these,' he added. Salim al Naabi, a mechanic in Seeb with over two decades of experience, said the heat can turn minor faults into serious hazards. 'We often see cracked fuel lines, degraded insulation on wires or worn-out batteries. In this kind of heat, those parts can ignite quickly – especially when combined with poor engine ventilation or leaking oil,' he explained. Naabi advised drivers to check coolant levels, oil leaks and ensure proper tyre inflation. 'It's not just about keeping the car running – it's about staying safe,' he said. Rashid al Balushi, a Muscat-based safety consultant, said that many motorists underestimate the dangers. 'A car fire can spread in seconds, especially in summer. People should carry a fire extinguisher, know how to use it, and avoid leaving flammable items like aerosol cans or power banks inside the vehicle.' He also warned that overloaded vehicles face a higher risk. 'An overloaded engine works harder and may overheat. Combine that with a neglected cooling system, and it's a recipe for disaster.' Witnesses have also shared alarming incidents. 'I saw a car catch fire on the Batinah Highway recently. It was shocking to witness how fast the flames spread,' said Ahmed al Kalbani, a university student from Suhar. 'Luckily, the driver escaped unharmed, but the car was destroyed. I think people need to take this seriously.' In Nizwa, resident Ahmed al Sulaimi called for stronger public education. 'We need more awareness. Maybe the authorities can conduct summer campaigns to remind people to service their vehicles. It's a small effort that can save lives,' he said. 'Prevention is better than cure. A few minutes spent on inspection and maintenance could mean the difference between a smooth drive and a blaze.' The Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) have urged motorists to prioritise regular vehicle checks, especially before long journeys. The civil defence authorities recently advised drivers to avoid prolonged parking in direct sunlight and to monitor for fuel or oil leaks.
Arab Times
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Egypt and Oman delegations hail Kuwait's organization of Amir Shooting Championship
KUWAIT CITY, April 12: The annual Grand Prix of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Shooting Championship officially begins today, Sunday, with the qualifying rounds for the men's and women's skeet (75-shooter) events. The official training sessions for both the men's and women's skeet competitions took place yesterday, followed by the opening ceremony at 6:30 pm. The technical committee for the championship convened at the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Ranges. Chaired by Engineer Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi, President of the Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations, member of the International Shooting Federation, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Championship, the meeting covered the regulations for the competition and addressed queries from the participating teams. Major General Hazem Hosni, President of the Egyptian and African Shooting Federations, expressed the Arab Republic of Egypt's strong commitment to participating in the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Grand Championship. He highlighted the championship's esteemed position both within Arab and foreign nations and the invaluable support and patronage it receives from His Highness the Amir. Hosni remarked, "Kuwait offers crucial success factors for such events, including the presence of top shooters, which ensures fierce competition. The Kuwait Shooting Club is equipped with Olympic-standard ranges, providing an ideal environment for both training and competition." He added that Egypt's shooting team is participating in the championship not only for the experience but also to pursue additional medals. Hosni also commended the efforts of the Kuwait Shooting Federation, led by Engineer Duaij Al-Otaibi and its board members, for their dedication to ensuring the championship's success. He acknowledged the ongoing support from Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah, President of the Asian Shooting Federation, for all Asian shooting federations. The head of the Omani delegation also expressed his congratulations to Engineer Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi on the launch of the championship, which carries a name held dear by everyone. He emphasized that the organization of the event was exceptional, a hallmark of Kuwait's long-standing excellence in hosting world-class championships. Subhi praised the Kuwait Shooting Federation for setting exemplary standards in organizing major events and creating an environment that supports competitive fairness. He added, "The Oman Shooting Federation always looks forward to participating in tournaments in Kuwait, with the His Highness the Amir's Championship being among the most significant. We aim to achieve honorable results in this highly competitive and fair competition."
