The Ministry of Environment,Water and Agriculture on Wednesday launched an awareness campaign called “Harvest Season” to promote locally produced food and vegetables and raise the efficiency of its marketing system to support Saudi farmers.
The Saudi Press Agency reported the launch was part of efforts aimed at raising awareness of the importance of eating local fruits, promoting a healthy lifestyle by buying local produce, and spreading knowledge of agricultural products.
The Ministry’s spokesperson said, “The campaign aims to educate the public about the health and nutritional benefits of various local fruits that are available in the market in the different seasons during the year, and to achieve a set of goals that are in line with the ministry’s policies and strategies and the objectives of vision 2030”.
Bindakhil further commented that, “Harvest Season” also aimed to support the production of local goods, enhance their quality and safety, increase awareness of agricultural produce and the health benefits of eating local fruits, and support local farmers while increasing their income in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.
He acknowledged the great support enjoyed by the agriculture sector from the leadership that have contributed to enhancing the sustainability of the sector and increasing the contribution of agriculture in the GDP of the country. The current contribution has increased to $100 billion.
The support has directly contributed to increasing and strengthening the rates of self sufficiency in a number of fruits and agriculture crops including the dates, figs, watermelons, grapes, mangoes, cantaloupe, and pomegranates.