Farmers in Tanta sow rice seedlings in Egypt's fertile delta – in pictures

Government has reduced the planting of some crops that need huge amounts of water

Farmers plant rice seedlings in Egypt's fertile Nile Delta at Tanta, Al Gharbia governorate, about 100 kilometres from the capital Cairo. All photos: EPA

Farmers plant rice seedlings at Tanta. The crop requires large quantities of water.

The Egyptian government has reduced the cultivation of some crops with high water requirements.

The area of rice cultivation is being affected by this strategy.

Farmers plant rice seedlings in a waterlogged field at Tanta.

Producers are said to prefer growing rice to some other crops as it is easier to cultivate.

Other attractions include lower production costs, higher profits and storability for long periods.

Egyptian farmers plant rice seedling in Egypt's fertile Delta in Tanta, Algharbeya governorate, 100 km from Cairo, Egypt, 22 June 2022. Egyptian Government reduced the planting of some crops that need a massive amount of irrigation water, while the government said it will reduce the rice agriculture area in Egypt, amid fear the Renaissance Dam project in Ethiopia could affect the amount of River Nile water reaching Egypt. EPA / KHALED ELFIQI

Farmers planting rice seedlings in Tanta are joined by egrets looking for small creatures to feed on.

Farmers push a trailer stuck in mud while planting rice in Tanta.

A farmer is joined by egrets while planting rice seedlings in Tanta.

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