RIYADH: The Saudi government is strongly supporting the development of organic farming and institutional capacity building as part of an ambitious plan to expand the Kingdom’s shift toward organic agriculture, which will be good for the country’s nutritional needs, public health and environment. Plans are afoot to establish more than 20 organic farms within a year from now.
This was disclosed by Ibrahim M. Al-Shahwan, vice chairman of the Saudi Organic Farming Association (SOFA), on Friday. He said that “the government’s incentives for promoting organic farming and the general awareness about he benefits of organic products have led to the establishment of about 145 organic farms so far across different regions of the Kingdom.”
The SOFA deputy chief explained the trends of organic farming in Saudi Arabia, and said that organic agriculture is sustainable and profitable. “Moreover, organic farming cuts down dependence on water by 30 percent, which is indeed better for a harsh environment like Saudi Arabia,” he added.
To this end, he noted that Saudi Arabia also does not allow any genetically modified products like seeds for organic farming. “It is a matter of protection, as changing genetics in organisms can harm human beings,” explained the SOFA deputy chief. He pointed out that SOFA has an in-house farmers’ assistance department to help start-ups and farmers across the country.
Asked about the progress made by the Kingdom in the domain of organic farming, he said that “there were only two farms some 10 years back, and currently the total number of organic farms exceeds 145 in total.”
“Some farms are producing cereals, some are producing vegetables,” said Al-Shahwan, whose own farm grows about 42 diverse products.
The Saudi government supports organic farmers by paying fees for certification, extending support to improve the quality of farming and rendering technical advice. He said that the Kingdom has had a conducive climate to promote organic agriculture.
Organic farming typically refers to the production of fruits, vegetables, grains, and other food products as well as cereals without the use of antibiotics, pesticides, or other items.
On the question of self-sufficiency achieved by the country, Al-Shahwan said that “the Kingdom is self-reliant in the production of eggs, cucumber, tomato, dairy products, and a few other products.” He, however, asserted that the government does not allow these products to be exported outside the Kingdom mainly to save water resources.
Only dairy products including milk are allowed by the Saudi government to be exported. “It will be the better option for a water-starved country like the Kingdom, if we can produce enough for our own consumption, keeping in view the depleting water resources, which cannot be used to grow fruits and vegetables for exports,” he added.
About innovative research being conducted by the Kingdom, especially in the agriculture and organic farming sector, he said that a number of studies and research projects have been undertaken by government agencies and universities in the country. To this end, he pointed out that a research study has suggested neem products to protect date palm trees.
Organic farming becoming more popular with Saudis
Organic farming becoming more popular with Saudis
Excavators held for violating water system
- The discovery was made during field tours carried out by the water department
TUBARJAL: The Al-Jouf branch of the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has apprehended three excavators who were found to be violating the water system in Tubarjal.
The discovery was made during field tours carried out by the water department, in cooperation with the competent authorities in the governorate.
Separately, authorities in Addayer in the Jazan region have arrested seven Ethiopians for smuggling 105 kg of hashish. Legal procedures have been completed against the offenders who were handed over, along with the seized items, to the competent authority.
Border guard patrols in the Al-Harth area of Jazan have also foiled an attempt to smuggle 71 kg of hashish, with initial legal procedures completed and the find handed over to the competent authority.
Security authorities have reiterated their appeal for citizens and residents to report any information regarding drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
Those with information may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or at [email protected].
Direct KSA to Iraq flight routes announced
- These flights, along with flights to Baghdad and Irbil, will commence from June 1.
RIYADH: The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the launch of direct flights from Dammam to Najaf, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The decision is in line with the Kingdom’s national aviation sector strategy, aimed at doubling capacity to accommodate over 330 million passengers annually, and extending services to more than 250 global destinations.
These flights, along with flights to Baghdad and Irbil, will commence from June 1.
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah praises Iraqi authorities for arresting fraudsters touting fake Hajj trips
- A ministry source in the statement also warned prospective pilgrims to beware of unauthorized Hajj offers being promoted this year
- The ministry made it clear that visas for Umrah, tourism, work, family visits, transit, and other categories do not grant eligibility to perform Hajj
RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah expressed its gratitude for actions taken by the Supreme Commission for Hajj and Umrah in the Republic of Iraq that resulted in the prosecution of more than 25 companies fraudulently engaged in commercial Hajj operations.
A ministry source in the statement also warned prospective pilgrims to beware of unauthorized Hajj offers being promoted this year, primarily through social media.
Participation in Hajj requires pilgrims to obtain a legitimate Hajj visa issued by the authorities in the Kingdom in coordination with Hajj affairs offices in their respective countries, or via the Nusuk Hajj platform for those countries that do not have an official Hajj office.
The source said that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is monitoring advertisements from companies and campaigns, as well as identifying fake accounts on social networks allegedly offering Hajj packages at enticing prices.
The ministry made it clear that visas for Umrah, tourism, work, family visits, transit, and other categories do not grant eligibility to perform Hajj. It urged pilgrims to be careful not to fall victim to companies and others claiming to offer commercial Hajj campaigns or other misleading initiatives.
“Regulations must be followed and legally documented permits, as represented by the official Hajj visa, must be issued, so a safe, secure, well-managed Hajj program and fair representation to all nationalities is provided,” Mohsen Tutla, head of the World Hajj and Umrah Convention, told Arab News.
“Hajj is a mega event with more than 2 million worshippers. Can one imagine, if order was not imposed and (the event) not regulated, chaos would ensue,” he added.
In the statement, the ministry calls for everyone’s cooperation to help combat and report fraudulent companies and campaigns, and to seek information only by visiting its official website and engaging with its channels on social networks.
World’s largest Arabic opera opens in Riyadh
- The opera was produced by the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission
RIYADH: “Zarqa Al-Yamama,” the world’s first and largest grand opera in Arabic, made its debut at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, taking the audience on a lyrical journey through one of the best-known folkloric tales in the Arabian Peninsula.
The opera was produced by the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission, and will run until May 4, telling the story of the central character’s attempts to warn her Jadis tribe of an imminent invasion.
Saudi chemistry duo add to KSA medal haul
- Team members were selected by Mawhiba
RIYADH: Two Saudi students have added to the Kingdom’s medal haul at the 2024 Mendeleev International Chemistry Olympiad being held in China from April 20-27.
Hassan Abdul Jalil Al-Khalifa, a third-grade secondary student from the Provincial Department of Education, Eastern Province, and fellow student Ali Salah Al-Moussa claimed bronze medals at the competition, lifting the Kingdom’s overall tally to three silver and 20 bronze.
More than 150 students from 27 countries are competing at the 58th session of the Olympiad.
Saudi Arabia is represented by a team of six students from several educational institutions.
Team members were selected by the King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, also known as Mawhiba.
Students were chosen after attending a series of forums over the course of two years, and were trained by Mawhiba, in partnership with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
