Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, announced that total financing disbursed under the National Veal Project has reached EGP 10.408bn to date, benefiting 45,575 small-scale breeders and young graduates. The funding has supported the rearing and fattening of 517,580 head of livestock, including calves for meat production and high-yield heifers for dairy, as part of efforts to increase the domestic supply of meat and milk.
The project’s Board of Directors, chaired by the Minister, recently approved an additional EGP 57.32m in financing for 41 beneficiaries, supporting the rearing and fattening of 822 head of livestock. This comes within the framework of the presidential “Decent Life” initiative, launched by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to develop rural areas and improve the livelihoods of small farmers and breeders.
Farouk directed the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector and the General Authority for Veterinary Services, in coordination with agricultural and veterinary directorates nationwide, to intensify field monitoring of project beneficiaries. This includes providing comprehensive technical, veterinary, and healthcare support, as well as identifying and addressing on-the-ground challenges at an early stage.
He underscored the project’s role in ensuring the availability of red meat at fair and reasonable prices for both producers and consumers, while contributing to the stability of livestock, meat, and dairy markets.
Mostafa El-Sayyad, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, said that regular inspections are conducted on beneficiaries’ barns by the Ministry in cooperation with the Agricultural Bank of Egypt and the National Bank of Egypt, which finance the project. These inspections ensure the availability of appropriate facilities and adequate space for livestock rearing. Once livestock is delivered, it is insured through the Livestock Insurance Fund at preferential rates, with ongoing field monitoring carried out by the relevant authorities.
Tarek Soliman, Head of the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector, noted that applications remain open for small breeders and young graduates seeking to benefit from the project’s financing. Applicants can apply through the nearest branch of the Agricultural Bank of Egypt or the National Bank of Egypt, both of which have extensive nationwide networks. Field inspection committees are then deployed, followed by the completion of financing procedures.
Soliman added that the Ministry provides full support to facilitate beneficiary access and ensure the project’s sustainability and economic viability. He highlighted its role in creating job opportunities for young people, increasing the incomes of small-scale breeders, and advancing the development of Egypt’s livestock sector.
