Field Crops Research Institute and Its Role in Securing Sustainable Agricultural
Abstract:
is among the developing countries that are facing many challenges to feed their
steadily growing populations. Arable land area of Egypt is about 3,234,000 ha (less than 4%) of
the total area, even with the expansion into new lands. Agriculture in Egypt is almost entirely
dependent on irrigation; the country has no effective rainfall except in a very narrow strip along
the Northern Coastal area. Agricultural production can be intensified only with improved
management of natural resources in a sustainable manner to cope with the rising demand for
food, feed, and fibers. The most important and strategic crops for Egypt are cereals, food
legumes, forages, oil crops, and fibers. Field Crops Research Institute (FCRI) was established in
1973 with the main goal of intensifying research and extension activities. The FCRI has 16
Research Departments specialized in different crops and disciplines related to field crops and
are represented in all the Research Stations across the country. Additional facilities are provided
in more than 36 nationwide agricultural research stations. The main objectives of the FCRI are
to develop, release and sustain high-yielding cultivars and hybrids of various field crops
resistant to hazardous conditions and to produce and maintain breeder and foundation seed of
the new improved and recommended cultivars beside providing and disseminating suitable
recommendation packages to extensionists and farmers. Another important objective is to
undertake extension and training programs to transfer technologies to farmers’ fields across the
country. Moreover, strengthen co-operation with national and international funding and
development agencies are very important goals. Dramatic increase in cereal crops, food
legumes, fiber and oil crops, forages and other major crops were achieved through the last two
decades in both area and productivity. Efforts have been carried out to train extension workers
and to create effective means of communication with farmers. In-country and out of-country
training is provided to research and technical staff of the institute. Some training programs are
designed for candidates from African and Asian countries. The FCRI will continue to
strengthen relations with international research and development centers and agencies to
exchange information and introduce new technologies necessary to achieve the goals of the
Institute. Regional activities will proceed for mutual interest and better use of available
resources of the region.
Publication year 2006
Organization Name
City القاهرة
serial title 9 شارع الجامعة
Web Page
Author(s) from ARC
Agris Categories Agricultural research
Publication Type Conference/Workshop
↑