Pioneering Millets: Saudi Arabia Embraces Modern Technology to Boost Food Security
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 3, 2023 – In a significant stride towards enhancing national food security, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) has announced its commitment to leveraging modern technologies for the development of millet cultivation across the Kingdom. This strategic initiative aims to unlock the full potential of this resilient and nutritious grain, thereby bolstering its contribution to the nation’s food supply.
Millet, a group of small-seeded grasses, has long been recognized for its hardiness and adaptability to arid and semi-arid climates, making it a particularly promising crop for Saudi Arabia’s unique environmental conditions. The Ministry’s foresight in focusing on this underutilized grain signifies a proactive approach to diversifying the agricultural landscape and reducing reliance on imported food staples.
The embrace of cutting-edge technologies in millet farming is expected to drive substantial improvements across the entire agricultural value chain. This includes the adoption of advanced irrigation techniques to optimize water usage, a critical resource in Saudi Arabia. Precision agriculture, utilizing data analytics and smart farming tools, will enable farmers to monitor crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns with greater accuracy, leading to more efficient resource allocation and reduced waste.
Furthermore, the Ministry is keen on exploring the application of modern breeding techniques to develop new millet varieties that exhibit enhanced yields, improved nutritional content, and greater resistance to local pests and diseases. This focus on research and development is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and profitability of millet farming.
The strategic importance of this initiative extends beyond agricultural productivity. By strengthening domestic millet production, Saudi Arabia is taking a significant step towards achieving greater self-sufficiency in food production. This not only contributes to national economic resilience but also plays a vital role in safeguarding the Kingdom against global food supply chain disruptions.
“Our commitment to integrating modern technologies in millet cultivation underscores our dedication to a future where food security is robust and attainable,” stated a representative from MEWA. “Millet’s inherent resilience and nutritional value, combined with technological advancements, positions it as a key pillar in our national food strategy. We are confident that this endeavor will yield substantial benefits for our farmers, our economy, and the well-being of our citizens.”
The Ministry’s proactive stance in modernizing millet agriculture is a testament to its forward-thinking vision and its unwavering commitment to building a sustainable and secure future for Saudi Arabia. This development is poised to be a significant contributor to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and achieve its ambitious agricultural goals.
“البيئة”: استخدام التقنيات الحديثة لتطوير زراعة الدُخن وزيادة إسهامه في الأمن الغذائي
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mewa.gov.sa published ‘”البيئة”: استخدام التقنيات الحديثة لتطوير زراعة الدُخن وزيادة إسهامه في الأمن الغذائي’ at 2023-04-03 00:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.