Food security
When the health crisis started almost three months ago with the spread of the coronavirus, Kuwait was clear about providing food for all citizens and expats, and I believe this was a source of relief in a small country like Kuwait with a population of approximately four million. The issue of food security is not new to Kuwait, as Kuwait was ranked first in the field of food security in the Arab region in 2014 and 2017. Kuwait has developed a state strategy and deserves to be at the forefront of countries in this important field. Achieving food security is represented in three sectors: Livestock, fish, and plant wealth. Each of these sectors has a role in achieving food security and preserving it. In fact, food security in Kuwait is not limited to securing basic food needs and requirements, but focusing on food safety, production, sustainability and enhancing food wealth.
So, when some rioters tried to create problems at the vegetable market a few days ago by stealing vegetables like onions to sell on the black market, the ministry of commerce intervened and mandated sales only through official outlets, such as cooperative societies, to curb such evil attempts during hard times like now. The livestock sector is under the management of the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources. It is considered a major sector in Kuwait to provide the public with their needs of meat, poultry, eggs and milk. The Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company is the most successful local example of food security.
In 2018, local newspapers published reports that the Kuwaiti government has developed a strategic plan to develop and improve food security and the country’s strategic stockpile. The plan was a precautionary process against political tension in the region, as Kuwait imports its food via safe transport lines that may be under threat in case of escalating tensions. I believe that the government’s policy to provide an advanced level of food security has resulted in the country today reaching the first place in the field of food security in the Arab region and even some foreign countries, as we see long queues and shortages of food items in most countries. The food security index in Kuwait is based on three basic criteria: The availability of food, affordability and quality and safety standards.
This crisis we are experiencing these days confirms that Kuwait has taken adequate precautions to provide most of the materials that are required by the public, especially since the state provides the necessary foodstuffs and distributes it to citizens through the ration card, while most local markets have enough food items.
Food security in Kuwait is not limited to the issue of securing primary and secondary needs. It focuses on producing and promoting sustainable food wealth despite Kuwait’s natural constraints - which include harsh climate, scarcity of arable land and low fertility. However, domestic production is good, but it needs more support by the government to develop agricultural technology.
Therefore, the support of Kuwaiti farmers is important, and they are now working to open their farms for everyone to buy their needs of fresh vegetables, which I see as a beautiful and patriotic action.