Dr. Mohamed Ali Fahim, head of the Climate Change Information Center at the Ministry of Agriculture, warned farmers about the unpredictable nature of the month of Amshir (the sixth month of the Coptic calendar,) characterized by sharp climatic fluctuations.
These fluctuations begin with deceptively warm weather and end with dust storms and sudden frosts, posing a real test for agricultural production that requires both foresight and strategic planning.
Fahim explained that this period is crucial for many crops. While wheat begins to emerge and the pods fill with abundant grain, the market for diseases and flying insects flourishes.
He emphasized the need for wheat farmers to exercise extreme caution when irrigating and to avoid times of high winds. He also issued a special appeal to summer potato growers due to the high costs involved, stressing that mistakes made during Amshir can have serious consequences.
Regarding the orchard sector, the head of the Climate Change Information Center pointed out that citrus and olive crops cannot tolerate delays in agricultural practices, while tomato, pepper, and guava farmers need to closely monitor weather fluctuations.
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He warned those using protected agriculture (tunnels and plastic sheeting) against rushing to uncover their crops, emphasizing that the timing during the month of Amshir is a “game of profit and loss.”
Fahim drew attention to the health of onion and garlic crops, particularly noting the drying of the tips. He urged beet farmers to be cautious about excessive potassium application late in the season, describing it as potentially leading to “false sugar.”
He also advised cumin, anise, and chickpea farmers to carefully manage the shortening and overcrowding of the vines to prevent the spread of pests in the fluctuating humidity.
Fahim concluded with a humanitarian and awareness-raising message, stressing that knowledge is not exclusive to anyone and is not limited to office reports, but is the harvest of “learning from the field,” calling on all farmers and experts to share their field experiences and spread awareness to confront the effects of climate change, saying: “Amshir [season] teaches you the lesson without explanation, but holds you accountable without warning, so be up to the task to ensure a bountiful agricultural season.”
Story was adapted from Egypt today.
