Dr. Hossam Badrawi Official Website
I received a post from a friend about the research of Dr. Saeed Suleiman on wheat cultivation, and I turned to AI with the question:
“Is there any scientific reference for the research of Dr. Saeed Suleiman, Professor of Genetics at the Faculty of Agriculture, regarding wheat cultivation and increasing its productivity?”
As someone with an academic background, I know that much of what is said can be unfounded and lacking in credible references. However, I was surprised by the following answer to my question:
“Yes, there are scientific references and credible media reports confirming the contributions of Dr. Saeed Suleiman, Professor of Genetics at the Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, in the field of developing wheat varieties resistant to drought and salinity, which contribute to increasing crop productivity in desert lands and areas with limited water resources.”
Notable Achievements of Dr. Saeed Suleiman in Wheat Cultivation:
Development of “Orabi” Wheat Varieties
Dr. Suleiman succeeded in developing several wheat varieties under the name “Orabi,” such as Orabi 52, 56, 73, and 1881. These varieties are highly resistant to drought and salinity and have short growth cycles, allowing them to be cultivated in desert lands relying solely on rainfall in some areas.
High Productivity
The Orabi 1881 variety was cultivated in sandy lands in Nubaria using sprinkler irrigation, achieving a yield of 20 ardab per feddan. In clay soils at the Sakhā station, productivity reached 23 ardab, and in the village of Al-Asayid, Deyerb Negm center, it reached 24 ardab per feddan.
Patents
Dr. Suleiman has obtained patents for four wheat varieties, confirming their uniqueness, stability, and distinct characteristics, according to the Plant Variety Protection Office at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Successful Trials in North Sinai
Trials of Orabi wheat in the Sheikh Zuwayed area in North Sinai showed promising results, relying solely on rainfall without the need for complex land preparation, demonstrating the suitability of these varieties for harsh environmental conditions.
Possibility of Multiple Annual Crops
Due to the short growth cycle of the “Orabi” varieties, farmers can plant three strategic crops annually (e.g., wheat, rice, and corn), increasing cultivated area and achieving self-sufficiency.
Additional Resources:
Illustrative Videos:
You can watch interviews with Dr. Saeed Suleiman explaining the details of developing “Orabi” wheat via the following links:
Dr. Saeed Suleiman’s official Facebook page: For the latest updates and direct communication, you can visit his official page.
My curiosity grew, so I asked:
“Why haven’t these research results been applied?”
I received the following response:
“Your question is very important and raises a core issue concerning the implementation of scientific research outcomes in agricultural policies. Here’s an objective answer based on available information.”
Despite Dr. Saeed Suleiman’s success in developing highly productive and resilient “Orabi” wheat varieties, the lack of widespread official adoption in Egypt may be due to several potential reasons:
1. Bureaucracy and Institutional Inertia
Government agricultural institutions may not move quickly, and there is no clear and effective mechanism to integrate scientific innovations into agricultural execution plans.
2. Conflicting Interests Related to Seed Distribution
There may be unofficial monopolies over seed distribution by certain entities, and introducing new varieties might conflict with vested interests benefiting from the current situation.
3. Weak Support for Local Scientific Research
Despite the significance of the results, the lack of institutional support and ongoing funding leaves independent researchers like Dr. Saeed working alone without a supportive application network.
4. Lack of Marketing and Awareness
Innovations often remain confined to labs and workshops due to the absence of governmental or societal mechanisms for marketing and showcasing their economic and productive impact.
5. Reluctance to Change Among Farmers
Egyptian farmers tend to stick to familiar crops and may need awareness, financial, and technical support to try new varieties, especially given the risk involved.
6. Lack of Political and Media Support
If these varieties had received the same political and media attention as some other projects, the outcome might have been different.
Conclusion:
The issue is not in the research itself but rather in the “will to implement” and the “agricultural governance system” that needs modernization, liberation from bureaucracy, and recognition of the value of local scientists.
A Suggested Political and Media Initiative to Support Implementation of Dr. Saeed Suleiman’s Wheat Research
Initiative Title:
“Our Wheat… from Our Science” – A National Initiative to Adopt High-Yield Egyptian Wheat Varieties
1. General Objective:
To achieve food security in Egypt through the expansion of scientifically developed local wheat varieties, especially “Orabi,” and to support Egyptian scientists as sources of sustainable agricultural innovation.
2. Core Pillars of the Initiative:
A. Political and Legislative Support
- Issue a ministerial decree to adopt “Orabi” varieties into the official seed system.
- Direct the Agricultural Research Center to adopt and evaluate these varieties in all governorates.
- Allocate part of the national budget to support local agricultural innovations.
B. Agricultural Financing and Loans
- Provide easy loans for farmers willing to try the new varieties.
- Offer cash or in-kind support (like fertilizers or irrigation systems) per feddan planted with “Orabi.”
C. Broad Media Campaign
- Launch a nationwide media campaign (TV and digital) under the slogan “From Egypt’s Soil… Grows Its Wheat.”
- Host Dr. Saeed Suleiman in agricultural and youth programs to introduce his contributions.
- Document successful farmer experiences with the new varieties through video and photos.
D. Community and Agricultural Empowerment
- Establish “communication points” in each agricultural directorate to support wheat cultivation.
- Launch training sessions in agricultural associations on how to plant the new varieties.
- Support agricultural cooperatives to become distribution centers for the new seeds.
3. Main Media Messages:
- “Our strength lies in our wheat… and our wheat comes from our scientists.”
- “Why do we import wheat when we have those who developed it locally?”
- “Orabi – not just a leader, but also a wheat variety that can enrich us.”
- “A success story from Egypt – starting in the lab, flourishing in the field.”
4. Implementation Partners:
- Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation
- Agricultural Research Center
- Academy of Scientific Research
- National and private media
- Agricultural cooperatives
- Zagazig University
- Youth organizations and agri-entrepreneurs
5. Expected Results Within Two Years:
- Cultivation of 500,000 feddans using “Orabi” wheat varieties
- Increase average yield from 18 to 24 ardab per feddan
- Reduce wheat import costs by billions of pounds
- Spread a culture of scientific and food self-sufficiency
Finally, my AI friend also drafted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, which I do not claim intellectual ownership of. Here is its text:
His Excellency Dr. Mostafa Madbouly
Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Subject: National Initiative to Apply the Research Results of Dr. Saeed Suleiman in Wheat Cultivation to Achieve Food Security
Your Excellency,
I am honored to present to you a comprehensive national proposal to adopt and implement the scientific research conducted by Egyptian scientist Dr. Saeed Suleiman, Professor of Agricultural Genetics at Zagazig University, which has led to the development of high-yield, drought- and salinity-resistant Egyptian wheat varieties under the name “Orabi.” This achievement remains underutilized despite its national significance.
These varieties, some of which have been officially patented, have proven—through successful agricultural trials in Egypt—their ability to yield more than 22 ardab per feddan under limited climate and water conditions, with short growth cycles that allow for additional seasonal crops. This greatly enhances self-sufficiency, raises the economic value of each feddan, and reduces the wheat import bill burdening the national budget.
Accordingly, I propose the following:
- Issue an official directive to the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant bodies to adopt “Orabi” varieties within the national seed system.
- Provide both moral and financial support to this patriotic Egyptian researcher and enable the Agricultural Research Center to generalize his experience.
- Launch a national media campaign titled “Our Wheat… from Our Science” to raise awareness among citizens and farmers about the importance of these locally developed varieties.
- Establish a financial program for farmers interested in cultivating these varieties, with guaranteed marketing and technical support from the state.
- Integrate this initiative into the national food security and sustainable agricultural development strategy.
I am confident that this initiative, along with your tireless efforts to uplift the country, will make Egyptian science a genuine source of food and national dignity.
