Latest news with #PAAAFR
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Fishermen call for controlled mullet fishing
KUWAIT CITY, July 22: Chair of the Board of Directors at the Kuwait Fishermen Union Abdullah Al-Sarheed praised the efforts of the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, for his interest in the food security sectors of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), reports Al-Seyassah daily. Al-Sarheed expressed optimism about the upcoming phase, especially as some of the union's longstanding demands have begun to be addressed. He said officials now clearly understand the concerns of the fishermen, and confirmed that the union's board continues to hold meetings with relevant authorities to meet all remaining demands. Al-Sarheed also extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Finance's Support Committee for its support and positive stance toward the union. Meanwhile, Al-Sarheed revealed that the shrimp fishing season in Kuwait's territorial waters is set to begin on August 1. Al-Sarheed praised the efforts of the Director-General of the Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, and the Coast Guard and Navy personnel who protect fishermen during their fishing trips. He expressed his gratitude to officials at PAAAFR, particularly those in the Fisheries Sector, for their dedication to developing the fishing industry and supporting fishermen's demands. Al-Sarheed reiterated the fishermen's request to allow mullet fishing in Kuwaiti waters under the supervision of the relevant authorities and with specific controls and conditions, affirming that fishermen are ready to supply mullet fish at reasonable prices. In conclusion, Al-Sarheed urged officials to take into consideration the Kuwait Fishermen Union's vision for Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem, the development of the fishing sector.
Arab Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
New Regulations Announced for Building on Agricultural Land in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, July 3: Minister of State for Municipal and Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Mishari on Wednesday issued a ministerial decision on regulating construction work and the attached schedules related to Table No. 13, stating the requirements and specifications for buildings in agricultural and livestock development areas. The newspaper obtained a copy of the decision, which sets the permitted building percentages in the agricultural areas (Wafra, Abdali, and Sulaibiya) at 10 percent of the size of the plot, with a maximum of 10,000 square meters. This includes residential buildings and family rest houses for the plot owner, with a total building area not exceeding 1,000 square meters, as well as workers' housing and guard rooms with an area not exceeding 2,000 square meters. Furthermore, all buildings must be one-storey and made of lightweight materials or reinforced concrete. Residential and family rest houses may only be built on two floors (ground and first), with a maximum height of nine meters. The resolution stipulates that the setback for buildings must not be less than five meters on all sides of the boundaries of the plot, except for the designated area for garbage containers and the guard room and its facilities, which may be attached to one of the facades. Regarding the building percentages for dairy farms, the decision stipulates that varying building percentages of the plot area are permitted. Five percent of the plot area is allocated for concentrated and bulk feed stores and a feed grinding unit, one percent for a repair shop and spare parts warehouse, three percent for a building for automated milking machines and their accessories, and 10 percent for workers' housing and administrative buildings. A veterinary clinic and family housing for the plot owner may be built within the plot, provided that the total family housing area does not exceed 1,000 square meters. Buildings must be one-storey, with a maximum building height not exceeding five meters; while the maximum height for barns and related buildings, such as workshops and warehouses, is 10 meters. The decision sets the permissible building percentage for purebred Arabian horse breeding plots at 15 percent, distributed among administrative buildings, workers' housing, an electrical room, a security room, a rest area not exceeding 200 square meters, and a horse showroom with an area not exceeding 500 square meters, which is included in the total building percentage. All buildings shall be one-storey, with the height not exceeding five meters for the administrative buildings, workers' housing, security rooms, and rest areas; not exceeding seven meters for the horse showroom, stables, and feed store; and not exceeding four meters for the circular horse trough. Regarding the plots for livestock production projects in Kabad, Jahra and Wafra allocated by the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) for raising cows, livestock and camels; the decision specified the permissible building percentages for residential buildings, warehouses, the veterinary room, the guard room, and their services, at a total of 16 percent of the plot area, with a maximum of 300 square meters. The remaining vacant area of the plot is to be used for the purpose for which the plot is designated. Construction is prohibited. Only shelters for animals are permitted, provided that the shaded area does not exceed 40 percent, while the remaining open areas are permitted for cultivation. The decision states that the building percentages for broiler and layer chicken breeding plots throughout the country are as follows: five percent for workers' housing and services, an egg hatchery building, and five percent of the total area for a warehouse for feed, machinery, and tools. All buildings shall be one-storey. The maximum height for workers' housing and service buildings shall be five meters, eight meters for feed and equipment warehouses, and not less than 3.5 meters and not more than five meters for production and breeding plots Regarding service plots located in Plot No. 10 in Wafra Agricultural Area -- which range in size from 500 square meters to a maximum of 5,000 square meters; the decision states a building ratio of a maximum of 60 percent of the plot area; out of which an area not exceeding 100 square meters must be used as administrative offices to service the plot. The building should be one-storey and should not exceed 10 meters in height.
Arab Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Over 8,000 Cows Infected with Foot-and-Mouth in Kuwait; Milk Output Drops 75%
KUWAIT CITY, May 7: Director General of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Eng. Salem Al-Hai revealed that the number of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases among cows in 31 out of the 44 cow farms in Sulaibiya — from April 6 to May 5 — reached around 8,000, hence, the remarkable decline in fresh milk production from 250,000 liters per day to less than 100,000 liters or about 75 percent decline. Al-Hai told the daily that 952 cows have recovered from the disease, while 71 died, explaining that FMD is an organic disease which is also considered an economic disease as it affects the meat and dairy industries of a country. He stressed the need to strengthen the immune system of cows, as well as the biosecurity of farms and agricultural plots, to ensure adequate protection against the disease. He affirmed that vaccines for the disease will arrive within two weeks, according to the supplier, which will contribute to curbing the spread of FMD and gradually restore milk production levels in the country. He emphasized the need to adhere to the rule on limiting animal movement, whether through sale or donation, until the epidemiological situation in Sulaibiya stabilizes. He called on workers in cattle farms to strictly comply with sanitation and sterilization procedures, such as sterilizing milking equipment, milking tools and milking sites, in addition to training workers and raising their awareness on preventive measures. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Union of Fresh Dairy Companies Abdulhakim Al-Ahmad said cow farms are experiencing a major crisis due to the delayed arrival of FMD vaccines. He pointed out that losses are huge and farm owners have started selling their cows for as low as KD150; compared to the import price of KD1,500 per cow from Europe and KD1,000 for those imported from Australia. He stated that the spread of mastitis among cows has exacerbated their health condition and reduced milk production, indicating that in light of these developments, the union, PAAAFR and other concerned authorities must quickly support the affected farms and consider the import of vaccines an urgent matter.
Arab Times
28-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait Beef Demand Remains Strong Despite Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak
KUWAIT CITY, April 28: With the emergence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases in many Kuwaiti farms, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has reassured the public that it continues to control the disease, stressing that eating beef does not transmit the infection to humans. The staff of the newspaper visited the meat market in Shuwaikh Industrial Area, where it was observed that meat sales continued normally. Several butcher shop officials confirmed that sales of beef from Kuwaiti farms are proceeding at normal rates and have not been affected at all by the FMD cases in some farms. Several consumers at the butcher shops said they could not do without beef, especially since the PAAAFR reassured everyone that FMD is not transmitted to humans through meat consumption. Hamoud Al-Enezi, a citizen, pointed out that the disease is not unique to Kuwait, as it is also prevalent in many countries that raise cattle and livestock. 'Therefore, there is no cause for panic over the discovery of FMD cases in the country, especially since the responsible authorities are performing their duties to the best of their ability, as they are primarily concerned with human health. I did not stop purchasing meat,' he asserted. Another citizen, Ibrahim Al-Rashidi, revealed he did not completely refrain from purchasing meat despite the discovery of FMD cases in some local farms. He buys only from the branches of meat companies with a good reputation in the market and maintains normal rates. Butcher shop manager Alaa Sadiq confirmed that beef sales are continuing at a normal rate despite the discovery of FMD cases, indicating that the price of a kilogram of beef from Kuwaiti farms starts at KD 3. He said Kuwaitis prefer this beef over other types of meat, and most expatriates order meat from Kuwaiti farms only because their products are fresh. Meat shop manager Khaled Al-Sheikh Ali said meat sales have not been significantly affected by the FMD outbreak in some farms. 'Things are proceeding well, especially since the regulatory authorities are doing their job to the fullest, up to the point of closing any shop that sells meat unfit for consumption,' he revealed. Butcher Baroudi Abdullatif said the impact the disease on meat sales is very minor, hoping for a boost in sales in the coming period. Butcher Tariq Abu Jabal asserted that Kuwaiti meat is among the finest in the market, so most consumers prefer it. He pointed out that government authorities have reassured consumers about the quality of meat in the market, particularly since the FMD cases are limited to certain farms. He said the company he works for sells only good-quality meat. Butcher Adel Imam stated that he sells beef and other types of meat normally, and that sales have not been affected by the FMD outbreak.
Arab Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Affects 1,400 Cattle on 10 Kuwait Farms
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: Following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases among cattle on several farms, the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has assured both citizens and residents that consuming meat or milk from infected cows poses no risk to human health. Salem Al-Hai, Director General of the Authority, emphasized that PAAAFR is fully committed to containing the spread of the disease. 'The Authority is working tirelessly, mobilizing all available resources and medical teams to respond swiftly to the outbreak,' he said. He added that efforts are underway to expedite the importation of the necessary vaccines, which are expected to arrive by early May. Al-Hai explained that, according to scientific research and medical reports, FMD does not affect the health of those who consume meat or dairy products from infected animals. 'There is no cause for concern. Meat and dairy from affected animals are safe for consumption,' he affirmed. He clarified that FMD is an economic disease primarily impacting livestock productivity, particularly by reducing milk output. The infection typically affects the mouth and hooves of animals and is most common in cattle, though it can also impact sheep and goats to a lesser extent. During an awareness seminar hosted by the Authority, Dr. Khaled Al-Fayez confirmed that the outbreak is currently under control. He revealed that the first case was identified on April 7 at a farm in Sulaibiya. Since then, the infection has spread to 10 out of 44 farms, with approximately 1,400 cows infected out of a total cattle population of 23,000 in Kuwait.
