A Historic Milestone: Egypt Successfully Cultivates Cotton for the First Time in the Sinai Desert
In a groundbreaking achievement, South Sinai Governorate has successfully cultivated high-quality cotton in the sandy soils of Tor Sinai — marking Egypt’s first successful cotton crop grown in desert conditions. This success was made possible through the use of advanced irrigation techniques and optimized fertilization methods.
Major General Khaled Mubarak, Governor of South Sinai, stated that this pioneering experiment has proven the feasibility of growing cotton in non-traditional, sandy environments, whereas it has historically been limited to clay soils. The accomplishment is the result of extensive fieldwork and research, demonstrating the desert’s potential to produce premium-quality cotton.
The project began with the planting of various genetic cotton varieties, followed by meticulous irrigation, fertilization, and pest control practices — culminating in harvest after just 127 days, thanks to the region’s warm climate.
The cotton produced in South Sinai stands out for its superior quality and suitability for multiple industries, including spinning, weaving, and oil production. This achievement marks a strategic step toward expanding agriculture in desert regions and opens new opportunities for farmers and investors across the governorate.
