Reef Saudi's Bee Clinics: Nurturing Beekeeping Success
The article reports on the success and expansion of bee clinics initiated by the Reef Saudi program in various cities in Saudi Arabia. These clinics provide crucial support and resources to beekeepers, offering examination, diagnosis, and guidance to protect the country's bee population from diseases and pests. The clinics aim to enhance food security, increase honey production, and contribute to self-sufficiency in the honey sector. The article highlights the positive impact on beekeepers and the broader mission of Reef Saudi in supporting small farmers and improving agricultural sector efficiency.
Bee Clinics Boost Beekeeping in Saudi Arabia
The article delves into the success and significance of bee clinics introduced by the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, Reef Saudi, across various cities in Saudi Arabia. These clinics are instrumental in supporting beekeepers, enhancing honey production, and contributing to the Kingdom's self-sufficiency in the honey sector.
Reef Saudi's Initiative: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Reef Saudi, has successfully launched bee clinics in several cities, including Jeddah, Jazan, Madinah, and Abha. The primary focus of these clinics is to provide examination, diagnosis, guidance, and assistance to beekeepers, especially small-scale producers.
Empowering Beekeepers: The clinics play a vital role in empowering small-scale beekeepers, offering comprehensive services such as examination, diagnosis, and guidance. They act as a resource hub, providing crucial support to beekeepers and contributing to the overall well-being of the Kingdom's "bee wealth."
Objectives of Bee Clinics: The primary objectives of the bee clinics include safeguarding the health of the bee population from diseases and pests, increasing local bee numbers, and promoting self-sufficiency. The clinics operate as mobile units, providing on-site examination services to beekeepers for added convenience.
Comprehensive Support Services: Beekeepers visiting the clinics receive a comprehensive manual, sample collection and analysis, development instructions based on the samples, and the establishment of a database documenting bee pests and diseases. The clinics also have mechanisms to notify relevant authorities when necessary.
Impact on Honey Production: Reef Saudi's broader goal is to enhance food security and self-sufficiency in the honey sector. The article notes a significant increase in honey production, rising from 2,100 tons in 2020 to 3,748 tons in the current year. Reef Saudi aims to further boost honey production to 7,500 tons by 2026.
Testimonials from Beekeepers: The article includes testimonials from beekeepers, such as Hasan Al-Qarni, owner of Azhar Tabuk apiaries, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for ongoing support. Beekeepers highlight the clinics' role in diagnosing diseases, offering guidance, examining bees, providing consultations, and developing sustainable solutions.
Reef Saudi's Achievements: Since the initiation of the bee clinics, Reef Saudi has received 6,016 samples, conducting various tests. A comprehensive database has been developed, documenting diseases and pests identified during survey campaigns.
Reef Saudi's Broad Mission: Reef Saudi's mission extends beyond beekeeping support. The program aims to raise the standard of life for small farmers, strengthen the capacities of farmers and rural families, and improve efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector.
Contributing to Agricultural Growth: Ultimately, Reef Saudi plays a crucial role in increasing crop growth throughout Saudi Arabia. By facilitating access to markets, agricultural services, and resources, the program supports both farmers and beekeepers, contributing to the overall growth and development of the agricultural sector in the country.
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