Egypt changes wheat harvesting strategy due to war in Ukraine - in pictures

The world's largest exporter now relies on local harvests

An man works in a wheat field in Banha, Egypt. All photos: EPA

Egypt, the largest importer of wheat in the world, has been forced by the war in Ukraine to rethink its strategy and says it will now rely more on local production of the cereal as a way to reduce its reliance on international purchases in the coming years.

A man holds grains of wheat at the Banha grain silos, in Qalyubia Governorate.

Bread is a staple for most of Egypt's 103 million people.

Workers unload wheat at the Banha grain silos.

Local growers have been barred from selling wheat to anyone other than the government until August.

Previously, growers who failed to deliver 60 per cent of their wheat harvest to authorities faced penalties.

Workers collect wheat at the Banha silos.

About 71 million people in the country rely on cheap bread under a state subsidised food card system.

Egypt has 44 silos with a total capacity of 3. 1 million tonnes, across its governorates

More from The National:

Egypt unveils major find of 250 sarcophagi and 150 statuettes in Saqqara

Egyptian fishermen in Cairo - in pictures

Egyptian developer, 13, wants to build own metaverse - in pictures

Handicrafts workshop helps women make a living in Cairo's City of the Dead

From the sea to the market: Egyptian fishermen at work - in pictures