Cairo: Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk engaged in discussions with AbdulHakim Elwaer, the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, focusing on enhancing cooperation for the "Productive Village Revival" initiative led by the Egyptian government.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions centered on coordinating with the UN agency to implement the initiative, which aims to transform Egyptian villages into productive economic hubs. This initiative seeks to promote sustainable rural development by converting consumer communities into productive ones, improving the skills of young people and rural women, creating jobs, and increasing household incomes.

Minister Farouk highlighted that the initiative plans to establish a unified brand for village products and create small-scale economic entities at the village level. It also aims to diversify rural income sources and improve environmental sustainability through waste recycling and efficient resource use.

Additionally, Farouk emphasized the initiative's focus on expanding contract farming and mechanization. It supports livestock development with improved breeds for small-scale farmers, promotes the silk and beekeeping industries, and strengthens agricultural cooperatives to economically empower women.

Elwaer expressed admiration for Egypt's vision for rural development and assured FAO's commitment to providing technical expertise and support to ensure the initiative's long-term sustainability and success.