The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation announced that total financing for the National Veal Project, covering local and imported calves, has reached EGP 10.053 billion. The initiative has benefited more than 45,100 small farmers, young graduates, and women in villages under the Decent Life programme. The funding supports the raising and fattening of around 522,500 head of livestock.
The ministry described the project as a cornerstone national initiative contributing to increased domestic production of red meat and fresh milk. Red-meat output is expected to rise to 600,000 tonnes by the end of 2025, up from 555,000 tonnes in 2024, while fresh milk production is forecast to reach 7 million tonnes, compared with 6.5 million tonnes last year.
Moustafa El-Sayyad, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, highlighted the project’s impact on producers, consumers, and the national economy. “It boosts domestic red-meat and milk production while generating jobs, preserving the national livestock herd, and providing opportunities for youth, small farmers, and women in rural areas,” he said.
El-Sayyad added that the programme increases small farmers’ incomes by offering soft loans at low, declining interest rates, enabling beneficiaries to expand livestock activities for red-meat or dairy production. The project provides financing for purchasing livestock or covering feed costs, but procurement of animals remains the responsibility of the beneficiary. It ensures continuous field follow-up, veterinary supervision, and full technical and advisory support to improve feeding, care, and livestock management practices.
Tarek Soliman, Head of the Animal and Poultry Wealth Development Sector, explained the process for joining the project. Youth and small breeders can apply at their nearest agricultural administration, or at branches of the Agricultural Bank of Egypt or National Bank of Egypt. A tripartite inspection of the livestock shed is then carried out by representatives from the agriculture and veterinary directorates and the financing bank to ensure suitability.
Once livestock is delivered to the beneficiary’s shed, animals are insured at a reduced rate through the Livestock Insurance Fund, and beneficiaries receive intensified follow-ups from agriculture and veterinary directorates to address any challenges. This mechanism guarantees the success and sustainability of the project.