Chinese well-drilling technology turns Egypt’s deserts into farmland-Xinhua

As summer unfolds in Egypt, a remarkable transformation is taking place across the vast stretches of the Western Desert. This once desolate region, characterized by harsh sand and rocky terrain, is witnessing the emergence of lush farmland, all thanks to the innovative well-drilling technology brought in by China’s Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group (ZPEC). The initiative has brought wheat, alfalfa, and potatoes to life under the Egyptian sun, highlighting the profound potential of international cooperation in sustainable agricultural development.

Egypt, a nation with over 100 million inhabitants, faces a pressing challenge: only about 4% of its land is arable. The Egyptian government, keen to lessen reliance on food imports, has made significant strides since 2015 to reclaim desert lands for agriculture. As a crucial facet of these efforts, the development of water resources has taken center stage. ZPEC, operating in Egypt since 2016, has been instrumental in drilling over 680 wells across diverse regions, from the Sinai Peninsula down to Aswan.

The project, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is much more than just an infrastructure venture; it represents a collaborative endeavor that aims to address pressing issues such as food insecurity and environmental degradation. The BRI has evolved into a platform for transformative partnerships, extending its scope to agriculture, technology, and sustainable development.

Zhao Baojiang, the project manager for ZPEC, shared insights into the challenges faced during their operations. His team has successfully drilled 63 wells, each reaching about 450 meters deep, overcoming obstacles like extreme temperatures, sandstorms, and complex geological conditions. The joy of this undertaking is palpable, especially as Egypt prepares for its first wheat harvest from these newly established farms. Abou-elKhier Ibrahim, the manager of the Future of Egypt agricultural project, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, underscoring the critical role that domestic wheat production plays in the country, where the average per capita consumption is around 146 kg annually.

The results have been promising. Mohamed Elhosary, the electromechanical division manager for the Owainat sector, estimates that each feddan (roughly 0.42 hectares) can yield about three tons of wheat, enough to feed at least 20 Egyptians for a year. Such successful yields contribute significantly to addressing food shortages, thus enhancing food security for countless families.

Beyond the wheat fields, ZPEC’s influence stretches into other agricultural sectors. In Minya Province, for instance, they are supporting the Canal Sugar Company, a joint venture between Egypt and the UAE, by drilling wells that irrigate thousands of acres of sugar beet crops. Despite facing technical challenges with the unstable groundwater in the Minya desert, ZPEC’s engineers have introduced air foam drilling technology, which not only ensures more stable drilling but also helps mitigate risks related to leakage and collapse.

ZPEC’s contributions extend beyond agriculture, creating local jobs and facilitating skill development. Many Egyptian workers have benefitted from training and technical support, leading to significant improvements in their career prospects. Mohamed Gaber, who started as a worker five years ago and has progressed to become a platform manager, highlighted the invaluable skills learned through collaboration with his Chinese colleagues.

For many Egyptians, this partnership signifies a pathway to greater food security and economic stability. Experts have responded positively to the initiatives, seeing them as vital components in fostering agricultural development across the country. As Ahmed Galal, dean of the Higher Institute for Agricultural Cooperation in Cairo, remarked, the projects undertaken by ZPEC play a crucial role in enhancing Egypt’s agricultural capabilities by sustainably extracting vital water resources.

The ongoing cooperation between Egypt and China under the BRI encompasses more than just well drilling; it spans various sectors, including developing new industrial zones, business districts, and agricultural hubs in the country. Waleed Gaballah, a member of the Egyptian Association for Political Economy, emphasized that the Chinese participation is increasingly viewed as an engine for job creation and improved living standards, reinforcing China’s status as a key development partner.

Looking ahead, the prospects for further collaboration between these two nations seem promising. Egypt’s continued investment in Chinese technology is viewed as mutually beneficial, with both parties expected to garner significant rewards from this partnership. As research and development in areas like renewable energy and advanced manufacturing evolve, the potential for agricultural enhancement remains incredibly bright.

In conclusion, the agricultural transformation happening in Egypt, fueled by advanced well-drilling technologies, is a testament to how international cooperation can impact food security and ecological restoration. Both nations stand at the threshold of a new chapter in sustainable development, one that aligns with their shared goals of stability, economic progress, and enhanced quality of life for their citizens. This collaboration could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the globe, proving that through united efforts, even the most challenging hurdles can be overcome.

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