His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley emphasized the critical role of smallholder farmers and indigenous communities in ensuring a sustainable food system. During a recent G20 Agriculture Ministers' Meeting held in Brazil, Alfadley highlighted the need to provide farmers with the necessary resources and support and emphasized the importance of integrating fisheries and aquaculture into value chains.
Minister Alfadley stated: "We recognize the invaluable contributions of smallholder farmers. We can boost their productivity and strengthen rural communities by empowering them with financing, agricultural extension services, and essential inputs."
In this regard, He mentioned that Saudi Arabia has launched the flagship Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program to empower smallholders and rural communities. This program focuses on the capacity building of smallholders and family farmers, which led them to enhance the value addition of their produce and rural activities. The program has empowered farmers to increase their production across various sectors. In 2023, the program had positively impacted more than 120,000 beneficiaries.
Alfadely emphasized the fisheries sector in Saudi Arabia plays a vital role in sustainable agricultural development, providing livelihoods and contributing significantly to food security. He continued, "Recognizing its importance, we are working to transform the aquaculture sector by attracting investments and increasing local production. We have already achieved over 190,000 tons of fisheries and aquaculture, meeting around 60% of our local consumption needs."
In concluding his speech, His Excellency the Minister pointed out that many regions around the world are still suffering from the drought impacts. He also highlighted the UN Convention to Combat Desertification as the world's foremost platform to discuss contemporary challenges and plan a sustainable future. He extended an invitation to attendees to join COP 16 in December 2024 in Riyadh.