Cairo: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli announced that the country has successfully developed an advanced grain storage system utilizing the latest global technologies, following the directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. This system has been crucial in preserving wheat quality, minimizing losses, and improving the management of Egypt's strategic reserves, thereby enhancing the state's capability to secure its needs for prolonged periods and achieve substantial food security.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Madbouli made these remarks during an inspection tour of the Ataqa grain silo in Suez. The facility, part of Egypt's National Silos Project, boasts a storage capacity of 60,000 tons. The visit underscores the government's ongoing efforts to monitor the national food security system and enhance the country's grain storage capacity.
The Prime Minister was welcomed by Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk, Suez Governor Hani Rashad, and several officials. The tour reflects the government's dedication to ensuring the efficiency of the wheat storage system and fortifying strategic reserves of essential commodities, especially in light of fast-moving regional developments.
Madbouli emphasized that the government is continuously monitoring the situation to ensure stable food supplies and guarantee the availability of essential goods for citizens amidst external events. Expanding modern silos and upgrading grain supply chains are vital components of Egypt's food security strategy, aimed at maintaining the sustainable availability of basic commodities and market stability amid global challenges and current geopolitical conditions in the region.
During the visit, Farouk highlighted the national silos project as a significant initiative to modernize Egypt's grain infrastructure. Implemented by the ministry, the project is part of the state's broader strategy to strengthen food security, improve storage efficiency, and reduce losses. The facilities are managed by the Egyptian Holding Company for Silos and Storage (EHCSS), using advanced management and operational systems to ensure grain quality and efficient handling.
Madbouli also listened to a presentation by Ashraf Sadeq, Managing Director and CEO of the EHCSS, who explained that the Ataqa silo is a crucial component of the country's strategic grain storage network. It supports wheat supplies for mills in Suez governorate and acts as a logistical hub for Cairo and Ismailia, stabilizing flour production and ensuring the continuous availability of subsidized bread.
Sadeq noted that the silo, operational since 2017, was built with the latest storage technologies. It includes 12 main storage cells capable of storing different wheat types, two discharge cells, and two cells for collecting dust and screening residues. The facility features comprehensive support systems such as inventory monitoring, temperature control, fumigation, ventilation, dust extraction, fire protection systems, and surveillance cameras. It also includes a grain screening unit to remove impurities from wheat.
Additionally, the silo houses a testing laboratory to measure moisture levels, specific weight, protein content, and grain cleanliness to ensure compliance with standard specifications. Madbouli toured the various stages of wheat handling at the facility, including sample testing, weighing, unloading, storage, and the discharge process.