Prevention Center: Releasing 10 million living organisms to boost agriculture
Wakaa Center's efforts in promoting agricultural sustainability
In a pioneering strategic move aimed at protecting the environment and enhancing food security, the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) implemented an intensive field campaign to apply biological control programs in three key regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These exceptional efforts resulted in the release of more than 10 million beneficial organisms, as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, which have long impacted ecosystems, and to move towards promoting agricultural sustainability in accordance with the highest international standards.
Historical context and the shift towards biological control
Historically, the global agricultural sector has relied for decades on chemical pesticides to control pests, leading to serious environmental and health challenges, including soil and groundwater contamination and the development of resistance in harmful insects. This has highlighted the urgent need to shift towards Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The establishment of the "Wiqaa" Center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a national response to these challenges and aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental protection and achieving sustainable food security as strategic goals.
Details of field operations and completed figures
The official report from the "Wiqa" Center revealed that specialized field teams targeted 49 farms in recent days, implementing six strategic integrated pest management programs. These field operations covered a vast area of 111.17 hectares. The meticulous operations included the release of 10,694,500 beneficial organisms into the targeted agricultural environments. To ensure the success of this initiative, specialists conducted 44 monitoring visits to closely track the implementation of the programs and assess their direct impact in the field.
Integration of biological solutions and support for natural insemination
The center's efforts extended beyond pest control to include improving the quality of plant production. The report indicated that 232 agricultural fields were targeted using 1,257 packages containing eight different types of beneficial organisms, ensuring the integration of biological solutions. In a proactive tactical move to support natural pollination and enhance production efficiency, 100 bumblebee colonies were released into agricultural sites, reflecting a deep understanding of the importance of ecological balance in improving crop quality and increasing yield.
Importance and expected impact locally and internationally
Domestically, these initiatives directly support Saudi farmers, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance the quality and safety of national products, positively impacting public health. Regionally and internationally, this initiative positions the Kingdom as a leader in clean and sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. It also underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to international environmental treaties and the UN Sustainable Development Goals by reducing the carbon footprint of the agricultural sector and preserving biodiversity.
