This year, the Egyptian authorities have changed the pattern of buying wheat on the domestic market to avoid possible fraud and the smuggling of grain from abroad.

In the past year, the government had purchased wheat from local farmers at prices much higher than the world – 420 eg. for ardeb pounds (150 kg) or $315 per ton. In early November 2016. in Egypt, there was a collapse of the national currency. This year, wheat is purchased at prices close to world: 555 pounds for ardeb ($205 per ton), 565 pounds for ardeb, 575 pounds for ardeb depending on quality.

This measure excludes the possibility of import of wheat and reselling it at a higher price to the state Fund under the form of local grain. However, this has led to the decline in procurement of wheat in the state Fund.

Harvesting wheat in Egypt usually goes from April to July. During the first two weeks of July in six provinces will be small buying stations where farmers will be able to realize any remaining amount of wheat.

Photo: linkiesta.it