Cairo: A recent roundtable hosted by CottonConnect and the Cotton Egypt Association brought together over seventy stakeholders to discuss regenerative cotton agriculture, exploring technological innovations to combat climate change and improve practices crucial for Egypt’s economy and global cotton supply.
Last week, an important roundtable event took place, co-hosted by CottonConnect, the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA), and the Cotton Research Institute. Gathering over seventy stakeholders and experts from various sectors, the event focused on the critical topic of regenerative cotton agriculture in Egypt and the necessary steps to scale up these sustainable practices.
The event featured prominent guest speakers from the host organisations, alongside a panel discussion that included key figures such as Khaled Schuman, Chief Executive Officer of the CEA; Dr. Abd ElNasser Radwan, Director of the Cotton Research Institute; Dr. Hesham Hamoud, a consultant for CottonConnect; and Sara Berlese, Chief Technical Coordinator at UNIDO. This diverse panel brought valuable insights into the pressing challenges and innovative solutions regarding cotton farming in Egypt.
Cotton production is vital to Egypt’s economy, contributing approximately 3% of the nation’s GDP. Notably, Egyptian cotton supplies 25-30% of the global market for Extra Long Staple (ELS) and Long Staple (LS) cotton. However, Egyptian cotton farmers are facing significant challenges due to climate change, which includes rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and an increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
A key focus of the roundtable was the integration of technological innovations and biotechnologies to enhance efficiency and productivity within the cotton sector. Discussions highlighted tools such as precision agriculture, satellite imaging, bio-fertilisers, and bio-insecticides as essential for improving cotton farming practices. Additionally, the importance of brands offering financial and technical support for farmers who adopt regenerative methods was a significant point of discussion.
In his remarks, Khaled Schuman expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative nature of the event, stating, “We are thrilled to be a part of such a tremendous opportunity to push forward the REEL Regenerative Egyptian Cotton Program with CottonConnect and Cotton Research Institute. The discussion at the roundtable was a step in the right direction towards improving regenerative practices for the sustainability of Egyptian Cotton. I feel optimistic about the future of the program and what we can accomplish together.”
Dr. Abd ElNasser Radwan echoed this sentiment, emphasising the commitment of the Cotton Research Institute to aid farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture. He remarked, “At the Cotton Research Institute, we are committed to equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively adopt regenerative agriculture practices. Through collaboration with CottonConnect and the Cotton Egypt Association, we are not only sharing technical expertise but also ensuring that Egyptian cotton remains at the forefront of sustainability. Regenerative farming plays a crucial role in improving soil health, optimizing water consumption, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating the impact of climate change—reducing the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which ultimately improves farmers’ livelihoods and safeguards the future of the industry.”
Currently, a REEL Regenerative programme is in progress across the key cotton-growing regions of Egypt, designed to provide further insights into the successful application of regenerative practices. This holistic farming approach prioritises soil health improvement, biodiversity, water efficiency, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, while also aiding farmers in diversifying their income and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.
Alison Ward, CEO of CottonConnect, spoke positively about the event’s outcomes, saying, “We are delighted to be able to bring together so many experts for this event to share their valuable insights and begin to create a roadmap that will ensure a more sustainable and successful future for Egyptian cotton and the global textile industry.”
The discussions at this roundtable represent significant progress towards fostering sustainable agriculture within the cotton sector, addressing both environmental and economic challenges while looking forward to enhancing practices for greater resilience in the face of climate change.
Source: Noah Wire Services
