Egypt

Egypt is one of Africa’s most important potato-producing and exporting countries and has developed a strong commercial potato industry based on irrigated agriculture. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is among the country’s major vegetable crops and is important for both domestic consumption and export. Egypt’s agricultural production is concentrated along the Nile Valley and Nile Delta, while potato cultivation has also expanded into newly reclaimed and sandy lands where irrigation is available. Recent industry information places Egypt among the world’s leading potato exporters, with annual production of around 6.7 million tonnes and potato exports valued at approximately USD 537 million in 2025.

The main potato-growing areas are concentrated in the Nile Delta and newly reclaimed agricultural lands, with Beheira Governorate being particularly important for commercial production. Sandy soils in reclaimed areas are well suited to potato production because they allow relatively easy tuber development and harvesting. Egypt’s warm climate, abundant sunshine and controlled irrigation allow potatoes to be produced in several growing periods. The crop is commonly grown in summer, Nile and winter seasons, with the winter crop particularly important for export markets.

Potatoes were introduced into Egypt on a small scale during the 19th century, probably through European particularly British connections. The crop initially remained relatively limited, but its importance increased substantially during World War I, when British authorities encouraged Egyptian farmers to grow potatoes and supplied seed to support food requirements for British and Allied troops. FAO historical records identify the First World War as the period when large-scale potato cultivation began to develop in Egypt.

Following the war, Egypt’s potato sector faced difficulties related to poor-quality imported seed and farmers’ limited experience with the crop. Nevertheless, production gradually expanded as irrigation infrastructure, improved agricultural practices and access to better planting material developed. From the second half of the 20th century, irrigated potato cultivation expanded rapidly, particularly in the Nile Delta and newly reclaimed lands. Egypt subsequently developed from a relatively small producer into a major African potato-producing and exporting country, with potatoes becoming an important commercial crop and a significant source of agricultural export earnings.