Kuwait vows fairness for farm holders

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 13: Minister of State for Development and Sustainability Affairs Dr. Reem Al-Fulaij had a meeting with Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism and Editor-in-Chief of Al-Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah, during which they discussed priorities for the agricultural sector, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Al-Jarallah was accompanied by colleague Mohammed Al-Farhan during the visit. They talked about national food security and self-sufficiency, particularly the need to assess the vital role of agriculture in strengthening national food security and identifying strategies to bolster domestic production. They discussed farmer and plot holder support, such as removing obstacles that local farmers and landholders are currently facing in order to ensure stability and encourage expanded agricultural operations.

They also tackled fairness and leadership directives, reaffirming the country's commitment to guarantee fairness and protect the rights of agricultural plot holders, under the guidance of the wise leaders of the country. Al-Fulaij affirmed the commitment of the country to ensure fairness regarding agricultural plots and respect the rights of their holders. She explained that this approach aims to safeguard the rights of the nation, while acknowledging the efforts of farmers who developed, maintained and utilized their plots in a productive manner. She stressed that the directives of leaders underscore the importance of treating diligent individuals in the sector fairly.

She asserted that the handling of the plot issue is based on principles that serve the public interest and provide serious farmers with the stability needed to continue their activities and contribute to national food security. She revealed that the coming period will witness heightened attention directed toward the agricultural sector and productive farmers, asserting that “diligence will be recognized and appreciated.” She confirmed that work is underway to study a new system that takes into account the circumstances of plot holders and the rights of those who have invested in and cared for their land to guarantee stability in their agricultural operations within the established regulatory frameworks.

She emphasized that the farmers’ demands are valued and are receiving serious attention. “Issues regarding agricultural plots—which are classified as state property—are currently under review to strike a balance between preserving state assets and considering the circumstances of the holders who have contributed their efforts and investments to the agricultural sector and local production,” she clarified.

She also unveiled plans to visit farms in Abdaly and Wafra to meet with farm owners, listen to their concerns, and assess their needs, requirements, and the challenges they are facing. She believes these visits will be an opportunity to engage with farmers, discuss their demands, and work toward assisting and supporting them within the limits of available resources and authority, while coordinating with other ministries and government bodies on matters requiring joint cooperation. She disclosed that she is currently reviewing several complaints and observations submitted by farmers. She explained that while some of these issues may not fall under the jurisdiction of the agricultural authority, this will not prevent efforts to assist them and follow up their cases with the relevant authorities to reach viable solutions. She stated that communication with farmers is ongoing, affirming the commitment to support producers and overcome obstacles wherever possible, given the vital role they play in bolstering food security and increasing local production.

She commended the efforts of farm owners who continued agricultural activity, maintained production, and diligently cared for their farms. She underscored the importance of recognizing and rewarding serious and productive farmers to continue their work, particularly given the growing significance of national production in strengthening the food security system. The meeting addressed the future of agriculture in Kuwait and the importance of transitioning the sector to a stage where it can better meet local market needs. This involves encouraging production and creating a favorable environment for farmers to support state efforts to bolster food security and increase self-sufficiency in locally producible agricultural goods. It was also emphasized that developing the agricultural sector requires a genuine partnership with farmers.

Listening to experienced practitioners from Abdaly and Wafra is crucial, as they are closest to the challenges in production and best positioned to identify the practical needs to raise the efficiency and sustainability of the sector. On the other hand, Al-Jarallah stressed the importance of supporting productive Kuwaiti farmers and fostering an environment that enables them to sustain their operations, given the importance of food security to the state. He highlighted the role played by farm owners in supplying the market with local produce and boosting national production.