Al-Ahsa Agricultural Training Center trains personnel in the fundamentals of biotechnology
The Agricultural Training Center in Al-Ahsa Governorate recently concluded the activities of the specialized training course entitled “Fundamentals of Biotechnology”, which aimed to raise the efficiency of the employees of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and enable them to use the latest scientific applications in the fields of molecular biology, in line with the strategic directions of the Kingdom.
Ambitious national strategic context
This course comes at a time when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing unprecedented scientific and technological activity, especially after the Crown Prince launched the National Biotechnology Strategy, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a leading global center in this field by 2040. Today, biotechnology is the cornerstone in the development of the agriculture and food sectors, as it contributes to enhancing food security, improving crop quality, and resisting plant and animal pests and diseases in innovative and sustainable ways, making the qualification of national cadres in this field an urgent necessity and not just an option.
Details of the training program and its topics
The training program lasted for three consecutive days and witnessed a large turnout of specialists and interested parties from various sectors of the ministry. Dr. Yousef Al-Hammad, an expert in biotechnology, presented rich scientific content focusing on:
- Explaining the principles of molecular biology in depth.
- An introduction to DNA techniques and their analysis mechanisms.
- Reviewing the practical applications of these technologies in agricultural and veterinary environments.
- Discussing ways to utilize genetic engineering to improve agricultural and animal production.
Investing in human capital
For his part, Engineer Ahmed Al-Nashi, Director of the Agricultural Training Center in Al-Ahsa, affirmed that the center prioritizes investment in human capital. He pointed out that this course aimed directly to bridge the knowledge gap and equip employees with the necessary skills to keep pace with global technological advancements. Al-Nashi explained that the shift towards "smart agriculture" and reliance on bio-based solutions is the future path adopted by the Ministry to ensure the sustainability of natural resources.
Expected impact and future of the sector
These courses are particularly important in the Al-Ahsa region, the world's largest agricultural oasis, where biotechnology applications can revolutionize traditional farming methods, boosting productivity and reducing water and environmental waste. During the training sessions, Dr. Al-Hammad emphasized that the national strategy provides a clear roadmap and that qualified national talent is the key driver for achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in building a strong and diversified knowledge-based economy.
At the end of the program, the participants expressed their great benefit from the scientific material and practical applications presented, stressing their readiness to transfer these experiences to the field of work, in a way that contributes to the development of the environment, water and agriculture system in the Kingdom.
