Ensuring the availability of poultry and eggs in the Eastern Province during Ramadan | Food security
With the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, the Eastern Province branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has confirmed its full readiness to meet the local market's needs for poultry and eggs. This will be achieved through an integrated system that combines increased local production with strict monitoring to ensure the safety of food supplies and enhance food security for consumers. These efforts come in response to the increased demand for these essential products during Ramadan.
Strategic background to support food security
These seasonal preparations fall within a broader strategic framework adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to achieve food security, a key pillar of Vision 2030. Over the past decades, the Kingdom has worked to significantly develop its poultry sector to reduce reliance on imports and increase self-sufficiency. These policies have resulted in a robust infrastructure of modern farms and state-of-the-art slaughterhouses, enabling them to efficiently meet domestic demand, particularly during peak periods such as Ramadan.
Strict control measures and health requirements
Engineer Saleh Al-Ghamdi, Deputy General Manager of the branch, explained that the Eastern Province is home to dozens of farms specializing in poultry and table egg production. He emphasized that all these projects operate according to strict biosecurity requirements and are subject to continuous veterinary supervision to ensure that products are disease-free and reach consumers with the highest quality standards. He added that field inspection teams are intensifying their periodic inspection tours of farms, slaughterhouses, and retail outlets to ensure full compliance with health and technical regulations, which contributes to price stability and protects consumers from any unsound business practices.
The importance of poultry and eggs on the Ramadan table
For his part, Engineer Waleed Al-Shuwaired, Director of the Agriculture Department, highlighted the high nutritional value of chicken and eggs as an ideal choice for those fasting. Given their high-quality protein and low fat content compared to other meats, they represent an important food source for both Iftar (breaking the fast) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). He pointed out that consuming these products in moderation effectively replenishes the protein lost during fasting hours, provides a feeling of satiety for longer periods, and plays a vital role in muscle building and maintaining the body's energy levels.
Local and regional impact of national production
The Eastern Province's success in securing these vital commodities has an impact not only locally but also reinforces the Kingdom's position as a regional powerhouse in food security. Locally, this abundance ensures market stability and provides citizens and residents with peace of mind, guaranteeing the availability of their basic needs at reasonable prices. Nationally, supporting local production reduces the import bill, strengthens the national economy, and enhances the resilience of food supply chains against any challenges or fluctuations in global markets, thus solidifying the principle of self-reliance in food production.
