Wide-Ranging Recommendations at the Close of the Agricultural Development Forum
The Agriculture development forum, which was sponsored by His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Asir Region, at the Abha Palace Hotel during the 16th-17th of Shaaban 1439 AH, in the presence of His Excellency the Rector of King Khalid University, Prof. Falleh R. M. Al-Solamy, concluded its sessions.
The conference was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Asir Region, as well as the contribution of a number of entities in the strategic planning and management of the forum including King Khalid University, the Chamber of Commerce in Abha, Al-Yahya Agricultural, and a number of scientific, professional, and commercial organizations.
The event discussed a number of topics ranging from finance to research and project management. To be specific, they included (i) the environmental investment opportunities in the agriculture and water sector, (ii) the role of financial institutions in supporting agriculture projects, (iii) fish wealth: opportunities and challenges, (iv) agrotourism in the Asir, (v) the role of the private sector in supporting projects, and (vi) proposed studies and research to develop the field. The meeting included 4 scientific sessions, a recommendations session, and a discussion session which took place on the second day the forum. 30 participants attended the meetings from various sectors concerned with agriculture, investment, and research with more than twenty papers and a working paper.
After expressing appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Asir Region, and his Deputy Governor, His Royal Highness Prince Turkey bin Abdulaziz, for their continuous support towards the development of projects in the Asir Region and for sponsoring the forum, 14 recommendations were put forth. Before announcing the proposals, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture was recognized for their groundbreaking national initiatives that are a part of the 2020 National Transformation Program and Vision 2030.
Recommendations
- To continue conferences and exhibitions on agricultural development in the Asir Region to complement the forum in the light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which calls for the importance of investing in agricultural development and its role in national development.
- Assigning the Office of Media Experts for Studies and Consultations to organize an international conference on agricultural development and to partner with various entities.
- To invest in expertise and campaigns.
- To raise societal awareness on the importance of nature and the environment.
- To partner with the Ministry of Health to organize campaigns and projects.
- To establish an agriculture and veterinary college to serve the Asir Region.
- To support and guide scientific research in the region in the agricultural, water and environment sectors.
- To establish a Research and Training Center at King Khalid University in the field of agriculture development.
- To invite people in business to invest in related projects.