Riyadh, March 14, 2024, The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has emphasized the critical importance of raising awareness and fostering responsible consumption habits as effective measures to address the significant annual vegetable wastage issue.
Vegetable wastage and loss pose substantial challenges to the Kingdom's agricultural sector, as highlighted by the ministry. Each year, Saudi Arabia grapples with considerable wastage, including 234,000 tons of discarded tomatoes, 201,000 tons of wasted potatoes, 110,000 tons of onions gone to waste, 82,000 tons of cucumbers lost, 38,000 tons of zucchinis discarded, and an additional 335,000 tons of waste from various other vegetables.
In response to this pressing issue, the ministry advocates for heightened awareness regarding the importance of conserving food resources and minimizing vegetable wastage, which is pivotal for ensuring agricultural sustainability. Additionally, there is a call to promote responsible and prudent consumption patterns.
Both citizens and residents are urged to exercise diligence in the usage and storage of vegetables, maximizing their utilization before reaching their expiration dates. Such practices hold the potential to mitigate food loss and waste, contributing to the establishment of a more balanced individual and societal food system.
The ministry underscores that the adoption of responsible consumption habits not only serves to bolster the national economy but also aids in the preservation of the environment and natural resources. Moreover, it aligns with the overarching goal of fostering a healthy and sustainable future for all stakeholders.
