Egypt has officially dispatched its first shipment of locally developed, high-tech mini tuber potato seeds to Uzbekistan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s strategy to become a regional hub for seed technology and export, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed.
This first shipment follows a high-level Uzbek delegation visit to Egypt in May 2025, which aimed to deepen bilateral agricultural collaboration. During the visit, Uzbek officials toured Egyptian research institutions, seed production farms, and agri-tech demonstration projects, further reinforcing the ties. “Uzbekistan is actively diversifying its agricultural input sources, and Egypt has proven to be a valuable partner,” said Dr. Akmal Tolipov, a senior researcher at the Tashkent Institute of Agriculture via TV BRICS. “The mini tuber seed deal is the first of what we expect to be a long-term cooperation framework.”
The visit was followed through by meticulous technical groundwork, including plant health certifications, and compliance with international phytosanitary standards. A dedicated plant health unit within the Ministry was tasked with compiling technical documentation, supported by real-time coordination with Uzbek counterparts.
Mini tuber seeds are a lab-developed precursor to commercial potato seeds, produced under controlled conditions to ensure disease-free, high-yield stock. They represent cutting-edge biotechnology in agriculture, helping countries reduce import dependence and increase food security. “This technology shortens the growth cycle, improves productivity, and significantly reduces crop vulnerability,” explained Dr. Samir Naguib, a biotechnologist with the Ministry of Scientific Research. “Egypt’s mastery of mini tuber production positions it to lead in seed innovation across Africa and the Middle East.”
According to the Ministry, further shipments are being prepared, and new target markets are under discussion, particularly in Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. A dedicated seed export task force has been formed to identify partners, manage regulatory pathways, and promote Egyptian seed varieties abroad.
This move may also bolster Egypt’s agricultural trade balance, with seed exports becoming a valuable addition to its traditional agri-export portfolio, which includes citrus, onions, and table grapes. “Agriculture diplomacy is fast becoming a pillar of Egypt’s international economic strategy,” said Dalia El-Said, a senior analyst at the Egyptian Center for Strategic Studies. “By exporting not just crops but the means of production, Egypt is creating long-term dependencies and building soft power.”
It is to be noted that Egypt’s agricultural exports have reached a remarkable milestone in 2025, surpassing 6.2 million tons by mid-July, an impressive increase of 575,000 tons compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects the country’s rising competitiveness in global agricultural markets and a well-coordinated national export strategy. According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, citrus fruits led the export list with over 1.9 million tons, followed by potatoes at 1.3 million tons, and fresh onions at nearly 232,000 tons. Grapes came next with 159,477 tons, while sweet potatoes accounted for 123,857 tons. Egypt’s export portfolio continues to diversify, including notable volumes of green beans, mangoes, garlic, and guavas all renowned for their quality and growing demand abroad.
As Egypt continues to remove trade barriers and tap into new markets, its agricultural sector is proving to be not only a key pillar of the economy but also a growing player in international trade.
