Strategic shift towards clean agriculture
The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) emphasized the crucial importance of adopting sustainable preventative control methods and intensive trapping techniques to protect agricultural crops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This approach is a strategic step to reduce insect pest infestation rates and decrease reliance on chemical pesticides, thereby enhancing the safety of agricultural products and supporting the sustainability of the sector.
The center emphasized the effective role of intensive trapping techniques, using pheromone attractants or light traps, in significantly reducing the populations of harmful insect pests. These environmentally friendly methods contribute to reducing the need for pesticide spraying, which positively impacts food quality and safety and helps achieve the sustainability goals of the national agricultural sector.
Historical context: From the chemical revolution to sustainable solutions
Historically, since the mid-20th century, the global agricultural sector has relied on what became known as the "Green Revolution," which was based on the intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase productivity. While this approach initially succeeded in achieving food security, the negative effects of these practices began to emerge over time, including soil degradation, groundwater pollution, the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests, and the impact on beneficial organisms such as bees and other pollinators. This historical context underscores the imperative of shifting towards more sustainable alternatives, such as smart traps that utilize natural insect behavior without harming the ecosystem.
Importance and Expected Impact: A National Vision and Global Dimensions
This initiative holds strategic importance on several levels. Locally, these efforts align directly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Program, which aim to achieve environmental sustainability and food security. By producing safe, pesticide-free crops, the quality of local produce increases, enhancing its competitiveness in the market. Regionally, the Gulf region faces shared challenges such as water scarcity and desertification, making the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies a pressing necessity. The Kingdom's experience can serve as a leading model for neighboring countries. Internationally, this approach is consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal related to eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture, positioning the Kingdom among the leading nations in implementing global best agricultural practices.
Effective working mechanism and application
The Weqaa Center explained that this method is a cornerstone of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), relying on the use of attractants that limit insect reproduction and spread. It noted that pheromone-based water traps stand out as an advanced technological option, particularly in monitoring and controlling the destructive tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta). These traps utilize an ultraviolet light source and a specialized pheromone attractant, along with a water container that traps insects as soon as they are attracted. To ensure their continued effectiveness, the center emphasized the necessity of regular maintenance of these traps, including changing the pheromone every four to six weeks.
A call to embrace the future
In closing, the center urged farmers and stakeholders in the sector to adopt modern preventative technologies and utilize integrated pest management solutions. Implementing intensive harvesting methods is not only an environmentally friendly option that preserves the natural balance, but also an investment in the future of agriculture, ensuring the production of safe, high-quality crops, guaranteeing the safety of the final product for consumers, and supporting the development of a resilient and sustainable national agricultural sector.
