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- Saudi minister highlights Importance of addressing hunger, poverty
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al-Mushaiti has renewed the Kingdom’s support for UN efforts in achieving global food and water security, and addressing hunger and poverty globally.
He was speaking at the 43rd session of the Food and Agriculture Organization Conference, which is taking place in Rome and being held to discuss relevant issues in the light of the challenges posed by water scarcity.
It is also focusing on water management, with the aim of achieving food security and comprehensive support for flexible and efficient food production.
HIGHLIGHT
Mansour Al-Mushaiti said that the agricultural sector in the Kingdom had experienced a surge in investments. This progress was evident in its record-breaking contribution of SR100 billion to the economy in 2022, marking the highest-ever recorded contribution by the sector.
Al-Mushaiti said that the Agricultural Development Fund had implemented lending policies aimed at bolstering modern technologies. These policies entailed providing loans that exceeded 70 percent of the capital cost for agricultural projects.
He added that the lending rate had experienced significant growth, surging from SR500 million ($133 million) in 2015 to SR7 billion in 2022.
Additionally, Al-Mushaiti noted that the agricultural sector in the Kingdom had experienced a surge in investments. This progress was evident in its record-breaking contribution of SR100 billion to the economy in 2022, marking the highest-ever recorded contribution by the sector.
He said that the Kingdom had achieved commendable levels of self-sufficiency in numerous agricultural crops, particularly those that relied on modern technology. This had facilitated an integrated approach to water management, resulting in a significant reduction in water consumption for agricultural purposes, decreasing from 86 percent to less than 70 percent.
Al-Mushaiti held a meeting with Dr. Alvaro Lario, the president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, on the sidelines of the conference.
The parties discussed avenues for cooperation and strategies to enhance it, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Al-Mushaiti added that the Kingdom placed significant importance on the various elements of agricultural and food systems. He highlighted collaborating with regional and international civil organizations and institutions to promote research.
Such cooperation is considered crucial for overcoming challenges and attaining goals set by the Kingdom.
Ayman Omer, director of the UN Food and Agricultural Organization’s technical cooperation program in Saudi Arabia, told Arab News: “The agricultural sector in the KSA is an important pillar of the national economy and a driver for its regionally balanced development.
“Besides contributing to strengthening food and nutrition security, the agriculture sector plays an important role in expanding and diversifying the economic base, reducing rural poverty, providing employment opportunities, and developing and stimulating other sectors.
“However, the biggest challenge faced by the agriculture sector is the highly arid climate, very stressed water resources, and climatic changes, restricting its opportunities to expand production and accelerate growth.”
“Despite agro-ecological constraints in its agriculture structure, the Kingdom has strived to harness its potential and advance its comparative advantages.”
Omer says that the essence of this partnership between Saudi Arabia and the FAO is in finding technical solutions in the challenging conditions of fragility of natural resources in one of the most stressed agro-climatic conditions in the world.
“Besides the national requirement of sustainable food security as one of the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the FAO’s endeavors also converge with the global agenda of sustainable development for better production, better nutrition, a better life, and a better environment in Saudi Arabia.
Omer says residents of the Kingdom should be more mindful of their food waste to reduce the issue of food loss and waste.
“Despite its concern for robust food security, Saudi Arabia has a high incidence of food loss and waste. One important area where people can make a significant and meaningful contribution is by reducing food loss and waste in all forms.
“An important catalytic role in stimulating the growth is the convergent institutional framework of sectoral strategies on environment, water, agriculture, and food security, and evolved and corresponding initiatives and interventions established by the ministry,” he added.