Latest news with #food security
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
AfDB offers Morocco $116mln loan to support sustainable agriculture
The African Development Bank said on Monday it approved a loan worth 100 million euros ($116.4 mln) to support sustainable farming led by women and young people in Morocco. The financing is intended to boost food security, and strengthen the resilience of small-scale farming against climate change, the AFDB said in a statement. "Women who have the ambition to undertake and succeed in agriculture are our priority," said Achraf Tarsim, the head of the AfDB office in Morocco. Over five decades, the AfDB has invested 15 billion euros ($17.46 billion) in projects, including transport, water, energy, farming, social protection, governance and finance. ($1 = 0.8590 euros) (Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi, Editing by Louise Heavens)
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Tanuf vineyard boosts Oman's food security, eyes export potential
Nizwa – Grape cultivation in the village of Tanuf in Dakhliyah is emerging as a promising model for food security and agricultural innovation in Oman. With increasing support from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), grape farming is showing notable growth both in yield and ambition. Launched on a 1.5 acre plot, the vineyard began with 1,000 grape seedlings. This season, it produced three tonnes of fruit, with output expected to rise in the next harvest as more vines mature. The farm benefits from technical supervision and regular agricultural consultations provided by MAFWR. Farmer Issa bin Saif al Riyami said the first phase of his vineyard cost more than RO16,000, included setting up the farm, installing modern irrigation systems, constructing trellises, building seedling nurseries and other operational expenses. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Malay Mail
14-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Mat Sabu: No cracks in egg supply even with five sen subsidy cut
KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — The supply of chicken eggs in the market remains stable and sufficient to meet the needs of the people, even though the subsidy rate has been reduced by five sen since May 1. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the situation demonstrated that the reduction in subsidies had not affected the supply of chicken eggs. 'In fact, it reflects the growing sustainability and resilience of the local production system,' he said in a Facebook post today. The government had previously announced that price control on chicken eggs would be lifted while the subsidy rate would be reduced from 10 sen to five sen per egg, effective May 1, 2025, before being fully discontinued on August 1. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security announced that the decision was made after taking into account the industry's commitment to ensure that chicken egg production remains sufficient and secure. The decision also takes into account that maintaining prolonged price controls and subsidies is unsustainable for the long-term viability of the local egg production industry and the country's financial position. The move to retarget egg subsidies is part of the government's broader effort to ensure more efficient use of public funds while promoting the sustainability of local food production. — Bernama
Zawya
10-07-2025
- General
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia lifesaving date shipment to feed 100,000 conflict affected Mozambicans
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has delivered 23 metric tonnes of premium Saudi dates to support more than 100,000 vulnerable women, children, and families in northern Mozambique who are suffering from the impacts of conflict and displacement. Dates, a staple of Saudi generosity and nutrition for centuries, are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. This donation will directly enhance the diets of families struggling with food insecurity, providing both immediate nourishment and a symbol of solidarity from the people of Saudi Arabia. The shipment arrived at the Port of Nacala and was swiftly transported to Cabo Delgado Province, where distribution to conflict-affected households is already underway. 'These dates will strengthen the diets of 100,000 people—especially women and children—and represent a meaningful gesture of solidarity from the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the people of Mozambique', said Antonella D'Aprile, WFP Country Director in Mozambique. Mr. Mishaal Bin Shail, Acting Charge d'affaires of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Mozambique, added. 'The gift of dates is a quiet yet powerful symbol of goodwill reflecting shared values, strengthening the bonds of friendship between our nations, and echoing a border spirit of care and solidarity that defines the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's engagement with vulnerable communities'. Mozambique is currently facing one of its most severe food security crises in recent years. An estimated 5 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance, and nearly 40 percent of children under five are suffering from chronic malnutrition. In the north, ongoing conflict and climate shocks continue to displace families and disrupt livelihoods, making life-saving support more critical than ever. Saudi Arabia's humanitarian assistance, coordinated by KSrelief, is a cornerstone of its foreign aid. Since 2015, KSrelief has delivered aid to vulnerable communities worldwide. Between 2022 and 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia provided 160 metric tonnes of dates to Mozambique, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the country's recovery and resilience. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Oman: Mango crop development research enhances food security
Suhar: As part of Oman's efforts to boost agricultural sustainability and food security, the Agricultural Research Centre in Suhar, affiliated with the Directorate-General of Agricultural and Animal Research at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, conducted two vital studies focused on mango cultivation. These initiatives aim to improve pest management and optimise nursery planting media for mango seedlings — one of Oman's most valuable fruit crops. Mangoes are the second most cultivated fruit in Oman, covering 3,649 acres and generating over 16,000 tonnes annually. Recognising the crop's significance to national food security and economic growth, the centre undertook targeted research to tackle major challenges facing mango production, such as pest infestations and unsuitable growing environments. Mango crop development research enhances food security The first study evaluated the effectiveness of seven insecticides in controlling thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), a pest that causes severe damage to mango seedlings. Using a randomised complete block design, researchers found that products like Plesiva Pro and Tracer achieved mortality rates, 50% maintaining efficacy for up to seven days post-application. These results offer farmers practical and sustainable pest control solutions that reduce yield losses without over reliance on chemical treatments. The second study assessed eight different agricultural media types to determine their influence on seedling growth and vigour. After one year of monitoring and analysis, the research concluded that certain uncomposted media outperformed peatmoss planting media, supporting stronger stem development and improved nutrient uptake. Mango crop development research enhances food security Dr Ali al Adawi, Director of the Agricultural Research Centre in Suhar, emphasised the strategic importance of the findings: 'This research contributes directly to national efforts to strengthen food security and promote sustainable farming practices.' 'By identifying more effective pest control methods and suitable planting media, we are helping farmers produce healthier crops with higher resilience and lower input costs. Our role as a research centre is not only to conduct experiments, but to turn knowledge into impact,' he added. These studies reflect the centre's commitment to advancing science-based agricultural practices in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. By bridging the gap between research and field application, the Agricultural Research Centre continues to empower local farmers and reinforce the resilience of the country's agricultural sector. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
