Egypt Approves EGP 500 Million to Expand National Veal Project, Supporting 372 Livestock Farmers

Egypt has approved nearly EGP 500 million in new financing under the National Veal Project, providing a significant boost to the country’s livestock sector while reinforcing national food security and rural development efforts.

Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk announced that the project’s board has approved EGP 499.4 million in funding for 372 beneficiaries, including small-scale livestock breeders and young graduates. The financing will support the raising and fattening of 7,137 head of cattle, helping increase domestic production of red meat and dairy products.

The initiative forms part of the Presidential “Decent Life” programme, which aims to transform Egypt’s rural communities by improving living standards, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening economic resilience. The minister emphasized that the continued expansion of the National Veal Project reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing food security, stabilizing markets, and protecting consumers from global price fluctuations.

Since its launch, the National Veal Project has become one of Egypt’s flagship livestock development programmes. Total financing has now reached EGP 11.17 billion, benefiting more than 46,000 small-scale breeders and young graduates and supporting the raising and fattening of over 538,500 head of livestock nationwide.

Farouk noted that the project has played a vital role in narrowing the country’s food gap, increasing local production, stabilizing meat and dairy supplies, and ensuring products remain available at reasonable prices while safeguarding the interests of both producers and consumers.

To maximize productivity, the Ministry continues to strengthen field monitoring across all governorates while providing comprehensive veterinary services, technical guidance, and rapid intervention to address any challenges faced by livestock breeders.

Looking ahead, the government plans to continue investing heavily in the livestock sector to expand domestic meat and dairy production, create additional employment opportunities, reinforce food security, and maintain greater market stability.

Deputy Minister Mostafa El Sayad highlighted that government support extends well beyond financing, including regular farm inspections, subsidized livestock insurance through the Livestock Insurance Fund, and continuous technical and veterinary assistance to ensure the long-term success of beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, Tarek Soliman, Head of the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector, confirmed that applications remain open for eligible small-scale breeders and young graduates across all governorates, noting that the project continues to generate thousands of jobs, boost rural incomes, and contribute to Egypt’s broader sustainable rural development goals.