Initial forecasts of a bumper crop of Egyptian strawberries next season, owing to a significant increase in cultivated area, are no longer realistic. Mamdouh Elbaz, Egyptian grower, reports on the situation.
Elbaz states: "Many growers in several regions encountered various problems after planting. Weather conditions were unfavorable in some areas. But the most serious and widespread problem was the poor quality of the seedlings, which affected a large number of growers. Fruit abortions and low yields are widespread except on a few farms."
© Wafra
The poor quality of seedlings this season, also reported by several other producers, adds to poor choices made by some growers, according to Elbaz. He explains, "There was a rush to the earliest possible harvests, and some growers planted too early. This is compounded by soil exhaustion after too many successive years of relentless planting."
The current situation is such that many growers are racing against the clock to replant. Elbaz adds, "Growers are desperate for good quality seedlings and are anxious to replant. Yields will inevitably be affected, and we are far from the volumes that correspond to the increased acreage."
According to the grower, the damage mainly affects early harvests. "It's more of a problem than a disaster for the entire season. There will be far fewer strawberries at the start of the season than expected, which will mainly affect the fresh produce sector," he concludes.
For more information
Mamdouh Elbaz
Wafra Export
Tel: +201001139166
