The committee for combating palm weevil was transferred to the Prevention Center by ministerial decree

The Cabinet issued a significant regulatory decision transferring the headquarters of the Standing Committee for the Prevention and Control of the Red Palm Weevil, along with all its associated responsibilities, from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaya). This decision comes as part of the Kingdom's efforts to unify efforts and enhance operational efficiency in the agriculture and food security sector.

Details of the new regulatory decision

The decision stipulated, in its main provisions, the restructuring of the Standing Committee to operate under the umbrella of the "Prevention" Center, chaired by the Center's CEO. The decision also ensured the continued membership of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture on the Committee to guarantee ongoing coordination, with a strict emphasis on ensuring that this transfer does not impose any additional financial burdens on the state's general budget or require an increase in approved financial ceilings. This reflects the commitment to rationalizing spending and enhancing the efficiency of government performance.

The regulatory amendments included replacing the phrase “The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control” with the phrase “The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture” in the relevant texts, in addition to transferring the authority to set controls and requirements from the Minister of Environment to the Center’s Board of Directors, thus giving “Wiqaia” the independence and flexibility necessary to make urgent technical decisions.

The importance of the decision in protecting plant resources

The red palm weevil is one of the most dangerous pests threatening the date palm sector, not only in Saudi Arabia but globally. This pest is known for being difficult to detect in its early stages and for its ability to destroy the palm from within. Given the Kingdom's position as one of the world's largest date producers, and its millions of palm trees that represent a cultural heritage and a vital economic resource, unifying control efforts under the umbrella of a specialized center like "Wiqaaya" is a crucial strategic step.

Strengthening the role of the "Prevention" Center

This decision directly empowers the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaya), which was established to be the first line of defense for the Kingdom's plant and animal resources. This transfer is expected to contribute to:

• Accelerating the response to reports of agricultural pest infestations.
• Employing the latest technologies and innovative solutions in monitoring and control operations.
• Enhancing institutional integration between relevant entities without conflicting jurisdictions.

This administrative transformation reflects the state’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 related to food security and the sustainability of natural resources, through specialized institutions operating according to the highest international standards.