The National Veal Project, chaired by Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, has approved new financing worth EGP 154m for 110 beneficiaries, including small-scale breeders and young graduates, to support the rearing of 2,200 head of livestock. The move falls within the framework of the presidential Decent Life initiative launched by Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to develop rural communities and improve the livelihoods of farmers and breeders.

Farouk said total funding disbursed under the project has now reached EGP 10.562bn, benefiting more than 45,686 recipients and supporting the breeding and fattening of over 529,781 head of livestock, including calves for meat production and high-yield heifers for dairy. The project aims to boost the supply of meat and dairy products in the domestic market.

The Minister directed the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector and the General Authority for Veterinary Services, in coordination with agricultural and veterinary directorates nationwide, to intensify field inspections of beneficiaries. He also stressed the need to provide comprehensive veterinary care and swiftly address any challenges faced by participants. He highlighted the project’s role in ensuring the availability of red meat at fair and affordable prices, while contributing to price stability across livestock, meat and dairy markets.

Mostafa El-Sayyad, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, said that field inspections are conducted in cooperation with the Agricultural Bank of Egypt and the National Bank of Egypt, which finance the project, to ensure adequate housing conditions and sufficient space for livestock. He added that livestock are insured through the Livestock Insurance Fund at subsidised rates once delivered, followed by regular monitoring by the relevant authorities.

Tarek Soliman, Head of the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector, noted that applications remain open for small breeders and young graduates seeking to benefit from the project. Applicants can apply through the nearest branch of the Agricultural Bank of Egypt or the National Bank of Egypt, after which specialised committees conduct site inspections and complete the necessary procedures.

He emphasised that the Ministry continues to provide full support to facilitate access to financing and ensure the project’s sustainability, highlighting its role in creating job opportunities for youth, increasing incomes for small-scale breeders, and advancing the development of Egypt’s livestock sector.

Source - https://www.dailynewsegypt.com