Makkah, January 21, 2024, Eng. Majid Al-Khalif, the Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture's Makkah Branch, engaged in discussions today with a delegation of experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The delegation included Noro Mohammed, an FAO expert in honeybee keeping, and Aali Al-Qarni, a field expert in beekeeping. The primary focus of the meeting was to explore the adoption of modern beekeeping techniques through model beekeepers in the region. Additionally, the discussions involved the assessment of bee communities and the provision of technical consultations for model beekeepers, particularly in addressing challenges during winter.
Al-Khalif highlighted the Makkah branch's commitment to contributing to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture's vision for the development of beekeeping in the Kingdom. The branch aims to provide prompt services for diagnosing diseases and pests affecting bee communities. This includes recommending control methods to help beekeepers enhance community performance, achieve greater economic returns, and deliver optimal services for beekeepers across all governorates in the Makkah Region through mobile clinics.
Emphasizing the branch's dedication to the growth of the beekeeping sector, honey production, and the beekeeping profession, Al-Khalif expressed the intent to launch initiatives with relevant authorities. These initiatives are designed to promote the adoption of modern beekeeping methods, elevate productive efficiency, and enhance quality, ultimately leading to higher economic returns.
During the meeting, both parties delved into discussions on coordinating efforts with model beekeepers and bee technicians at the field level within the region. The collaborative efforts aim to foster the exchange of expertise and contribute to the overall advancement of beekeeping practices in the area.
