Soybean in Egypt: current situation, challenges, and future perspectives

Soybean cultivation has emerged as a viable agricultural solution in Egypt, addressing challenges such as food security, import reliance, and economic diversification. This comprehensive review examines the current status, potential, and future perspectives of the soybean industry in Egypt. It traces the historical evolution of soybean farming, from its introduction in the twentieth century to its establishment as a prominent crop, particularly in the Nile Delta and Valley regions. The multifaceted applications of soybeans in Egypt, spanning animal feed, human food products, and industrial sectors, are highlighted. An in depth analysis of the harvested area, production, yield, and import dynamics reveals both progress and constraints. The review delves into the climatic suitability of Egypt for soybean cultivation, identifying favorable temperature ranges, sunlight exposure, and strategic irrigation practices. It also examines the challenges faced by Egyptian soybean farmers, including water scarcity, pest infestations, and competition from other crops. Strategies to enhance Egypt's soybean agriculture are proposed, emphasizing breeding programs focused on high yields, disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance. The pivotal role of genetic diversity in sustainable agriculture is underscored, and the strategic introduction of soybean varieties through international collaborations is advocated. The maturity group system is presented as a crucial tool for facilitating germplasm exchange and adaptation, enabling the importation of suitable varieties from major soybean-producing countries like China, the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina. The review concludes by outlining future perspectives, emphasizing the need for continued research and development, water management solutions, innovative pest control strategies, sustainable agricultural practices, and market diversification to strengthen Egypt's soybean sector and ensure global competitiveness.