15/03/2026
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15/03/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, March 15: As the global fertilizer crisis exacerbates due to the ongoing war between the United States and Israel against Iran, food security consultant and expert Mohammad Al-Furaih said the whole world could face a global food crisis if the war continues for several months. In a statement to the newspaper, Al-Furaih mentioned the indicators of the rise in global fertilizer prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the increasing cost of food transportation, particularly since Kuwait still relies heavily on imports. He said the current situation entails that the concerned authorities should make the most of the crisis and take advantage of available opportunities.
On the role of agricultural investment in increasing non-oil revenues, he affirmed that the agricultural sector can generate revenues for the State, thus, preventing the national economy from remaining indefinitely dependent on a single source of income. About the challenges that the local agricultural sector is facing, Al-Furaih stated that the sector triumphed over many obstacles due to modern technology. He pointed out that the high summer temperature issue can be addressed through greenhouse farming. He described the Kuwaiti farmer as a soldier on the front lines, remaining steadfast despite the difficult challenges he is facing. He emphasized that the Kuwaiti farmer is a role model who deserves support, calling for more assistance for those working tirelessly to guarantee food security.
He urged the relevant authorities to benefit from the advice of agricultural experts to further develop the agricultural sector in Kuwait. He stressed the importance of drawing lessons from the Saudi Arabian experience, which has become highly reliant on local agricultural products and possesses vast farms producing wheat, coffee and other crops. He said this is the reason why Saudi Arabia will not be significantly affected by the ongoing war. He underscored the importance of expanding the cultivation of strategic crops, so that agriculture in Kuwait does not remain limited to vegetable production. He called for the establishment of a specialized agricultural college at Kuwait University or the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET).
By Najeh Bilal Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
