RIYADH: For centuries, the diverse landscapes of Asir have played a pivotal role in the cultivation of a range of crops, with millet, an ancient grain of remarkable versatility and nutritional richness, fast becoming a sustainable staple.
Millet makes up 3 percent of the global grain trade, offering a significant economic opportunity and new avenues for small-scale farmers.
Agricultural expert Suleiman Ibrahim shed light on four distinct varieties of millet — pearl millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, and little millet, all thriving in the fertile lands of Asir.
The planting season at the end of spring and onset of summer takes advantage of the nourishing rains that foster robust plant growth. Harvesting takes place from late summer to mid-fall as the grains mature.
Ibrahim underscores the economic advantages of cultivating millet in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its role in diversifying crops, reducing dependence on traditional varieties, fortifying food security, and optimizing the utilization of arid lands.
This supports growing it on lands that may not be suitable for other crops, improving land use, and enhancing the total value of local agricultural output.
In one of his studies, Ibrahim estimated the market size of millet in the Asir region to be around 838 tons in 2022. The study predicts that annual production will grow to more than 1,000 tons by 2030, propelled by governmental backing in the agricultural sector.
In December, Asir marked a significant milestone, with its inaugural Millet Festival in Bareq governorate, 120 km northwest of Abha, attracting over 300 farmers and academics. The event served as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, where participants discussed mechanisms to develop millet cultivation in Bareq and the Asir region.
Farmer Umm Mohammed, a participant in the festival, told the Saudi Press Agency about the time-honored techniques employed in cultivating millet.
The process begins with the plowing of fields using oxen, followed by the scattering of millet seeds. Over a meticulous three-month period, plant growth is monitored. During harvest time, the community collaborates, engaging in either manual rubbing of the grains or allowing them to be trampled by bulls to separate the pure grains from the chaff.
The gathered grains are then spread across a level expanse of land for drying. Following this, the threshing process is utilized to refine the grains. Subsequently, they undergo grinding using millstones, rendering them ready for culinary use, whether in the form of bread, porridge, or combined with fresh butter and milk.
Najib Al-Sagheer, an environmental science professor and member of the House of Expertise for Environmental and Agricultural Studies at Al-Baha University, highlights the global importance of millet.
As one of the top five crops globally, millet’s resilience against pests and diseases makes it a promising “grain for the future,” adapting easily to challenging environments in Asia and Africa, and helping to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition.
Al-Sagheer underscores its high nutritional value, rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a valuable energy source.
Crop expert Bashir Ibrahim Amin, who is affiliated with the National Organic Agriculture at the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, has researched the environmental requirements for optimal millet growth.
The grain flourishes in temperatures between 20-40 C, and prefers well-drained sandy, loamy or mixed soils, he said.
Millet is also drought-resistant, making it ideal for regions with low-to-moderate rainfall, Amin added.
Ancient grain helps Asir sow seeds of economic growth
https://arab.news/924bx
Ancient grain helps Asir sow seeds of economic growth
- Millet makes up 3 percent of the global grain trade
- Harvesting takes place from late summer to mid-fall as the grains mature
KSrelief, WFP agree to provide food aid to Yemen
- Under the terms of the agreement, 13,798 tons of essential food items will be distributed
- The program will support activities that drive resilience by providing conditional financial assistance to participating families
JEDDAH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with the UN World Food Program at a high-level conference in Jeddah to provide $25 million in food aid to the most vulnerable families in Yemen, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The agreement was signed at the OIC Donor Conference to Support Displaced Persons and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, co-hosted by KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
It was signed by KSrelief’s senior adviser for medical and humanitarian research, Dr. Ziyad Meemish, and the WFP’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Carl Skau.
Under the terms of the agreement, 13,798 tons of essential food items will be distributed, and the program will support activities that drive resilience by providing conditional financial assistance to participating families, to establish and rehabilitate resources that support the food chain over six cycles.
The initiative will directly benefit 546,364 individuals and indirectly assist a further 57,313 people in the governorates of Hudaydah, Dhale, Marib, Al-Bayda, Hadhramaut, Al-Mahrah, and Socotra.
Supervisor-general of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, held several meetings at the conference.
He met with Skau and the two sides discussed the latest developments in KSrelief-WFP projects, which provide essential food aid and improve living conditions in needy communities.
Skau commended the Kingdom’s significant humanitarian role, exercised through KSrelief.
Al-Rabeeah also met with UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya.
The two officials discussed cooperation and issues of common interest pertaining to relief and humanitarian affairs, as well as key topics tackled at the conference.
Additionally, Al-Rabeeah held a meeting with UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban.
They discussed humanitarian and relief efforts, particularly global support for children.
Saudi fund delivers 1,568 housing units in Tunisia
- Kingdom’s unwavering support praised by minister
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr and Tunisian Minister for Equipment and Housing Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri have overseen the delivery of 1,568 housing units funded by the Saudi Fund for Development in Bakri city in the Ariana Governorate in northern Tunisia.
Abdullah bin Ali bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, the Saudi fund’s director of North Africa operations, was present at the occasion, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The initial phase of the project, which is being implemented in various governorates of Tunisia, involves the provision of 4,715 social housing units with concessional financing from the Saudi fund totaling $150 million.
The Tunisian minister expressed gratitude and appreciation to Saudi Arabia for its unwavering support.
Al-Saqr congratulated the families benefiting from the project, which is designed to provide adequate accommodation for Tunisian citizens.
He pledged the Saudi fund’s commitment to carrying out all of its guaranteed development projects in the various regions of Tunisia.
An $85 million contract was signed last month to construct and equip the King Salman bin Abdulaziz University Hospital in Kairouan, Tunisia, through the SFD.
The project aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, establishing Kairouan as a regional health hub for the northwest and central regions.
This will reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment and help bridge the development gap between Tunisian regions, promoting social growth and stimulating economic activity.
The Saudi fund has already provided Tunisia with funding for 32 development projects and programs through development soft loans totaling more than $1.23 billion.
In addition, Saudi Arabia has provided four grants through the fund, amounting to more than $105 million, to support various development sectors in Tunisia.
Farmer preserves millet cultivation tradition
RIYADH: Hussein Al-Ghamdi, an 80-year-old farmer from Al-Makhwah governorate in the Baha region, has dedicated his life to preserving the ancient tradition of millet cultivation in the Shada Mountains.
By utilizing the region’s natural resources, he has transformed barren slopes into fertile terraces producing various crops, with millet as a staple, reports the Saudi Press Agency.
Al-Ghamdi is passionate about agriculture and committed to passing on the tradition to future generations.
Millet, a resilient crop which is suited to the region’s arid climate, is an ingredient in local cuisine and is used to make dishes like bread and porridge. Its versatility and nutritional value have made it a staple food for centuries.
In recent years, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has recognized the importance of preserving the cultivation of millet.
It has initiated efforts to modernize farming practices to promote the crop’s nutritional benefits while expanding its cultivation area.
The annual millet festival in Al-Makhwah has also significantly revitalized the tradition and inspired younger generations to embrace agriculture.
By blending innovation with tradition, Al-Ghamdi continues to enhance the region’s food security and cultural heritage.
Riyadh expo to boost pet care awareness
- The three-day exhibition will feature workshops, meetings and lectures
RIYADH: The third Saudi Pet & Vet Expo, the only pet exhibition in the Kingdom, will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from Oct. 28-30.
The three-day exhibition will feature workshops, meetings and lectures addressing topics such as animal healthcare, disease prevention and modern veterinary care techniques.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will sponsor the event, creating an annual platform for local and international experts to exchange knowledge in veterinary medicine and pet care.
More than 120 exhibitors from 16 countries will showcase a range of products and services, including veterinary clinics, pet food companies, pet supply stores, vaccine manufacturers and animal welfare organizations.
It will also help to raise awareness about the importance of investing in the sector, encouraging pet adoption and promoting responsible ownership.
The event is expected to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors and raise awareness about pet care and welfare.
The Saudi Arabian market for pet care is estimated at about SR4.4 billion ($1.2 billion), with a growth rate exceeding 9 percent annually, according to statistics published on the expo’s official website.
Saudi Arabia also imports pet and bird food from 18 countries worldwide, including the US, Spain, Germany, Italy, Thailand, France, Turkiye, China and India.
Kingdom arrests 20,896 illegals in one week
- A further 107 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 20,896 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 11,930 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,649 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,317 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,374 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 55 percent were Ethiopian, 43 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 107 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 24 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
