Methods of protecting crops and livestock in Al Qunfudhah | Efforts of the Prevention Center
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing national food security, the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) showcased the latest technologies used in protecting crops and livestock in Al-Qunfudhah. This was achieved through its participation with a distinguished awareness and educational pavilion at the 15th Mango Festival, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the governorate. This participation underscores the government's commitment to providing all means of support to farmers and livestock breeders in the region.
The importance of protecting crops and livestock in Qunfudhah and its agricultural history
Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, administratively part of the Makkah Region, is one of the most prominent agricultural destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, boasting a long and rich history of cultivating tropical fruits, most notably the delicious mango. The Mango Festival was first launched a decade and a half ago and has since become a prominent annual event celebrating the governorate's abundant production, which exceeds thousands of tons annually and includes numerous high-quality varieties. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's office organizes this festival as an integral part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to support the agricultural sector and diversify income sources. In this context, the protection of crops and livestock in Al-Qunfudhah is of paramount importance to ensure the continuity of this rich agricultural heritage. Relevant authorities continuously provide technical, technological, and advisory support to farmers to maintain production quality and expand the area of green agricultural land.
The role of the "Wiqa" Center in protecting natural resources
During the festival's diverse activities, the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa') pavilion strongly highlighted its pivotal and essential role in protecting natural resources from all biological hazards and destructive pests. Specialists and experts from the center provided visitors and farmers with comprehensive field demonstrations showcasing modern and innovative preventative methods to ensure the safety of agricultural and livestock products. The center's active participation focused on raising community awareness of sound agricultural and veterinary practices to mitigate the risks of pests that could threaten agricultural and livestock production lines and affect their quality. Center officials explained that these awareness campaigns are an extension of their ongoing and tireless efforts to implement preventative and curative measures in various cities and governorates within the Makkah region.
The economic and environmental impact of enhancing food security
The benefits of protecting crops and livestock in Al Qunfudhah extend beyond direct financial returns for farmers, encompassing broad positive impacts at both the local and regional levels. Locally, these proactive measures contribute to reducing losses and waste in agricultural and livestock production, thereby enhancing economic returns, supporting the stability of farmers and their families, and encouraging agricultural investment. Regionally and internationally, these rigorous measures play a vital role in achieving relative self-sufficiency in essential food products, strengthening supply chains, and increasing the reliability of Saudi produce. These strategic initiatives aim to ensure plant and animal health and protect the overall public health of the community from the risks of zoonotic diseases and their vectors. Ultimately, these integrated measures contribute to enhancing food security sustainability, supporting the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, and directly benefiting the end consumer by providing safe, healthy, and high-quality food products.
