"Reef Saudi Arabia" distributes 1800 packages of modern equipment to beekeepers

In a strategic move aimed at developing the agricultural and rural sector in the Kingdom, the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, " Reef Saudi Arabia, " launched an ambitious development project that includes distributing 1,800 packages of modern beekeeping equipment to Saudi beekeepers across the Kingdom. This initiative is part of the program's ongoing efforts to achieve a qualitative leap in the beekeeping sector, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to enhance food security and support small farmers.

Project details and strategic objectives

Majed Al-Buraikan, the official spokesperson for the "Reef Saudi Arabia" program, explained that this project is not limited to distributing equipment, but aims to bring about a radical transformation in production methods. By providing these advanced tools, the program seeks to increase production efficiency and improve the quality of local honey, in addition to encouraging beekeepers to adopt modern technologies and shift from traditional, low-productivity methods to more sustainable and economically viable practices.

Al-Buraikan pointed out that the project works to promote the optimal use of natural resources and reduce losses in hives and by-products, which contributes to raising the economic return for beekeepers.

Integration with queen rearing stations

A key technical aspect of this project is its direct integration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's projects for establishing and operating queen bee breeding stations and producing bee packages. These stations aim to:

• Improving the genetic traits of local bees.
• Raising the efficiency of breeding and production at the Kingdom level.
• Achieving self-sufficiency in bee colonies and reducing dependence on imports.

Al-Buraikan explained that the modern tools will create the appropriate technical environment for beekeepers to make the most of the outputs of these stations, thus ensuring the success of replacement operations and the stability of the hives.

The importance of the honey sector in the Kingdom and its economic impact

Beekeeping and honey production are promising sectors in Saudi Arabia, thanks to the Kingdom's diverse geography and vegetation, which allows for the production of premium honey varieties such as Sidr, Talh, and Samar. The support provided by "Reef Saudi" in this context aims to enhance the competitiveness of local products in both domestic and regional markets.

The modern equipment to be distributed will help improve apiary management, streamline feeding, inspection, and harvesting processes scientifically, reducing stress on bees and positively impacting both the quantity and quality of honey production. This support is expected to contribute to increased income for rural families and create new job opportunities for young Saudis in this vital sector.

Towards sustainable rural development

This project underscores Rural Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving balanced social and economic development by empowering small-scale agricultural producers and cooperative societies. The shift towards modern beekeeping technologies is not merely about upgrading tools; it is an investment in human capital and the development of national capabilities, ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations and strengthening the Kingdom's food security system.