Egypt is trying to encourage public spinners and exporters to purchase Egyptian cotton instead of imported cotton. They will be encouraged by subsidies. Farmers will also be presented subsidized seeds and fertilizers.
About 350 million EGP of the financial allocation will be directed to subsidize the public and private sectors. The remaining 150 million EGP will be directed to supporting re-running the bankrupt spinners, and revitalizing the sector as a whole. This new decision is expected to revitalize the sector as a whole, comprising farmers, cotton workers, merchants, and exporters, increase Egypt’s revenues of cotton, and re-run the halted factories.
Egyptian cotton was shunned because of its high prices. The price of Egyptian cotton was 1,300 EGP per kantar while imported cotton was 750 EGP per kantar. Egyptian cotton is extra long staple. These plants were introduced to Egypt in the nineteenth century and developed as a cash crop. The plant is tropical and grows as a small, bushy tree requiring high humidity and rainfall. It contains the chemical gossypol, reducing its susceptibility to insect and fungal damage.
Cotton from Egyptian fibers is more breathable and becomes softer over time with use. It produces less lint and will not pill. This high quality fiber is long and narrower than other cottons, allowing thread counts of up to 1,000 per sq. inch. This provides a lighter weight and extremely strong, long-lasting durability.
