Wakaa organizes a workshop to combat the red palm weevil in Khulais
As part of ongoing efforts to promote the sustainability of the agricultural sector and protect plant resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Wiqa’) organized today an intensive awareness workshop on the “Red Palm Weevil” pest, at the Al-Barzah Center in Khulais Governorate in the Makkah Region.
This step comes as part of the center’s comprehensive strategy to address one of the most dangerous pests threatening palm trees. The workshop focused on introducing farmers and those interested to the initial symptoms of infestation and early detection methods, which are the cornerstone of successful control operations, in addition to reviewing the latest preventive measures and approved scientific protocols to reduce the spread of this deadly pest.
The danger of the palm weevil and the importance of control
The red palm weevil is a hidden enemy threatening the date palm sector, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's cultural and economic identity. The danger of this insect lies in the difficulty of detecting it in its early stages, as the larvae burrow into the palm trunk from within, potentially leading to the tree's sudden death and collapse. This underscores the importance of awareness workshops like those organized by "Wiqaa" to equip farmers with the necessary knowledge about the insect's life cycle, the harmful agricultural practices that contribute to its spread, and how to implement integrated pest management.
Supporting food security and the Kingdom's vision
For his part, Mansour bin Majid bin Shuwail, head of the Al-Barzah Center, emphasized the paramount importance of these field initiatives during his attendance at the workshop. He pointed out that protecting palm trees is not limited to the agricultural aspect, but extends to supporting national food security, given the high nutritional and economic value of dates. Bin Shuwail commended the tireless efforts of the Waqqa Center in its on-the-ground presence among farmers, providing technical and advisory support to ensure crop safety and improve production quality.
Sustainability of agricultural production
The workshop included a detailed explanation of the national programs and initiatives led by the “Wiqa’a” Center, which aim to create a safe and sustainable agricultural environment. The positive impact of adhering to preventive measures, such as internal agricultural quarantine, farm hygiene, and the safe disposal of agricultural waste, was highlighted, emphasizing their role in reducing crop losses and enhancing farmers' economic returns, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of achieving self-sufficiency and developing rural areas.
