Local farmers contribute to food security in Kuwait

Current crisis will pass peacefully, say experts

KUWAIT CITY, April 8: Even though opinions of experts in the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors differ concerning the level of achievement of desired objectives through the distribution of agricultural land in terms of food security in the country, they agreed that the response of farmers during the current COVID-19 crisis has contributed to stabilizing the prices of agricultural products in the local markets, reports Al-Qabas daily.

Regarding the constructions in the farmlands, the experts with whom the daily met explained that it is normal to build some licensed facilities and rest areas inside the farms.

This is aimed to ensure that the farmers stay near their crops and employees, and to achieve the desired goals of agricultural production, noting that the complexity of things facing the farmers and livestock keepers makes it difficult for owners, of about 5,000 farms, to achieve the objectives related to food security.

The experts anticipate the current crisis will pass peacefully, as farmers are working with continuous efforts in order to provide the local market with agricultural produce and livestock at affordable prices.

They highlighted that weak support and poor agricultural resources lead to losses in the local economy, stressing the need for farmers to prepare for the next season in order to ensure access to abundant production.

The experts revealed that Kuwait Municipality recently decided to close the stores that sell agricultural resources and tools such as seeds and fertilizers, which are essential for farm production, adding that this issue is currently being tabled at the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR).

In this regard, Head of the Kuwait Farmers Federation Abdullah Al-Dimak stressed that the agricultural lands in the north and south of the country have met one of the main objectives in terms of achieving food security.

He affirmed that the number of farms in Kuwait is about 5,000, which are located in Wafra, Abdali and Sulaibiya areas, adding that all farm products are sold via the marketing outlets of the federation and its affiliates.

Regarding the role of farmers during the crises, Al-Dimak said, “They have always proven that they stand with their country and the people in the past and present times. During the coronavirus crisis, they increased production by double from the past period, which compensated for the shortage of imported agricultural products. They also reduced the prices during the crisis.”

Also, agricultural expert Mohammed Al-Fureih highlighted the need for government facilities to support farmers in achieving the desired goals.

He pointed out the role of such facilities during the crisis that the country is currently experiencing, especially by providing additional quantities of agricultural produce to cushion the shortfall caused by imported produce.

Al-Fureih said, “The required support relates to facilitating the procedures by PAAAFR and Kuwait Industrial Bank, as these farms have not yet achieved the ideal targets.”

He explained that the lack of support puts farmers in front of difficult solutions and short-term plans, unlike neighboring countries which have adopted agricultural reserves for a period lasting more than 30 years. Weak support leads to dependence on unqualified employment and the gradual disintegration of agricultural homes, which is reflected in production rates. Farm reservoirs consume more electricity and water.

Al-Fureih indicated that Kuwait Municipality recently closed shops that sell agricultural resources and tools, which usually help farmers, adding that the federation is currently discussing the matter with the concerned agricultural authorities.

In addition, Head of Kuwait Union for Livestock Breeders Mohammed Al-Bughaili affirmed that the current crisis will pass in peace, as breeders and farmers are working on supplying the market with required quantities of meat and fresh produce at affordable prices.

He insisted on paying attention to the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors, and directing the subsidies to the real producers, stressing that the livestock breeders will not stand idle in case the cost of imported sheep increases during the coming period.

“Almost 6,000 barns in Wafra and Kabd areas provide the best types of livestock and local cows that are preferred in the local market”, he concluded.