RIYADH — The G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting took place in Hyderabad, India. The Saudi delegation was headed by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli.

Eng. Al-Fadhli said we call for cooperation to strengthen our food systems for a better, and more sustainable future.

Eng. Al-Fadhli also added that in the aftermath of COVID-19, the food and agriculture production systems worldwide continue to face numerous challenges, at a time, when the demand for food for a growing population, is increasing rapidly.

“One crucial element in ensuring food security is strengthening rural communities by educating and empowering women and youth.

“Saudi Arabia in 2018, launched its flagship Sustainable Rural Development Program covering eight different areas.

“The program has proven remarkably to increase the income of our beekeepers by up to 50%, while a 10% increase in rain-fed small farmers,” Eng. Al-Fadhli added.

Eng. Al-Fadhli mentioned to the importance of responsible investment in agriculture and food Systems. Furthermore, it is required to align financing with innovation policies. By adopting these innovations, we can enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of our food sector.

Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia has increased loans for the adoption of innovative technologies by more than 10 folds.

“We think that digitalization is emerging as a key catalyst to transform the agriculture sector by improving resource efficiency, enhancing performance, and boosting productivity.

“In this regard, Saudi Arabia launched a digital extension platform, which served more than 230,000 farmers and provided 2.9 million agricultural extension services,” Eng. Al-Fadhli added.

Eng. Al-Fadhli stressed there is a need for realignment of all humanitarian programs to effectively address the most pressing food insecurity challenges.

In this regard, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its commitment, by completing over 772 food security projects in 71 countries through King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre.

Eng. Al-Fadhli called for work together as G20 Agriculture Ministers within the framework of SDGs for realizing the Opportunities of the 21st Century for All, for our One Future. — SPA