Saudi Food Traders Set To Meet SAR20B Demand In Ramadan-Report
Zawya Dow Jones News
Saturday, Jul 31, 2010
BEIRUT (Zawya Dow Jones)--Food traders in Saudi Arabia have completed their preparations to meet a substantial demand for their products in the holy month of Ramadan estimated at 20 billion Saudi riyals ($5.33 billion) or 20% of the full-year local food market valued at SAR100 billion, pan-Arab Al Hayat daily reports Saturday citing a trader.
Demand triples in Ramadan compared with other months, Abdullah Al Othaim, chairman of the supermarket chains owner Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Co. said according to the paper, adding that huge quantities of food products are available on the market.
Newspaper website: http://ksa.daralhayat.com/ksaarticle/167804
-By Beirut Bureau, Zawya Dow Jones; +961-1-985 757; BeirutZDJ@zawya.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Dow Jones & Co.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
31-07-10 0659GMT
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZW20100731000011/Saudi%20Food%20Traders
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Saudi Arabia: New steps soon to curb entry of banned goods
The Saudi Gazette
31 July 2010
JEDDAH - The Ministry of Commerce is devising a new work mechanism to prevent the entry of goods that are not in conformity with specifications and are potentially harmful to consumers.
Sources in the ministry said the implementation of the new plan, to be carried out jointly by the ministry, the Saudi Arabian Standards (SASO) and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA,) will start at the country's entry points and will gradually cover the monitoring of shops.
The sources said consensus has developed on new penalties against those dealing in counterfeited items and that these will be issued as soon as they are approved. SASO has admitted that cosmetics and herbal mixtures not in conformity with specifications are being sold in the market.
Dr. Muhammad Al-Kanhal, head of SASO, said campaigns are constantly carried out to remove such items from markets in cooperation with relevant authorities, noting that SASO is continuing to educate consumers about the harmful effects of these products.
By Abdul Rahman Al-Khatarish
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100731050014/Saudi%20Arabia%3A%20New%20steps%20soon%20to%20curb%20entry%20of%20banned%20goods%20
The Saudi Gazette
31 July 2010
JEDDAH - The Ministry of Commerce is devising a new work mechanism to prevent the entry of goods that are not in conformity with specifications and are potentially harmful to consumers.
Sources in the ministry said the implementation of the new plan, to be carried out jointly by the ministry, the Saudi Arabian Standards (SASO) and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA,) will start at the country's entry points and will gradually cover the monitoring of shops.
The sources said consensus has developed on new penalties against those dealing in counterfeited items and that these will be issued as soon as they are approved. SASO has admitted that cosmetics and herbal mixtures not in conformity with specifications are being sold in the market.
Dr. Muhammad Al-Kanhal, head of SASO, said campaigns are constantly carried out to remove such items from markets in cooperation with relevant authorities, noting that SASO is continuing to educate consumers about the harmful effects of these products.
By Abdul Rahman Al-Khatarish
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100731050014/Saudi%20Arabia%3A%20New%20steps%20soon%20to%20curb%20entry%20of%20banned%20goods%20
Growing wheat prices burn UAE's roti makers
Posted by Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 31 July 2010
The sharp increase in the global wheat prices is worrying several hundred Afghan tandoori roti makers whose profit margin is coming under pressure.
There are many Afghan tandoor outlets in different parts of the UAE which solely make the traditional Afghan bread, especially for customers from Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.
Wheat prices have been skyrocketing due to an alleged cut in production in Russia, Europe and flooding in Canada and wheat growing areas of India. India, the second largest wheat producer in the world, is reportedly facing an "emergency situation" of a lack of storage for its grain stocks, with about 10 million tonnes of wheat and rice at risk of rotting due to exposure to monsoon rains.
Wheat prices soared by 20 to 25 per cent to touch $280-290 per tonne this month alone.
The Afghan nanwais (bread-makers) said the volume of rotis sold per day has come down by almost half and some of the shops have closed because of pressure on margins.
Says Yar Mohammed, owner of Marakish Bakery in the Sharjah Industrial Area: "The wheat prices have gone up from Dh 50 per 50 kg packet to Dh 90 now. For many years, we have been selling one roti for 75 fils and there are some bakeries selling even at 45 fils per roti, because there is no business and they are trying to lure customers by using low quality wheat."
He said the profit margins of roti makers have been thin and the volume of business has come down. "We used to sell 1,800 to 2,000 rotis per day when there were many customers in the Sharjah Industrial Area. Now the daily sales volume is down to 500 or 600 rotis."
He said Afghani roti is normally bought by inmates of the labour camps and residential buildings in the area.
The Sharjah industrial area has more than 40 bakeries, all engaged in the same business.
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100731055430/Growing%20wheat%20prices%20burn%20UAE%27s%20roti%20makers
Posted by Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 31 July 2010
The sharp increase in the global wheat prices is worrying several hundred Afghan tandoori roti makers whose profit margin is coming under pressure.
There are many Afghan tandoor outlets in different parts of the UAE which solely make the traditional Afghan bread, especially for customers from Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.
Wheat prices have been skyrocketing due to an alleged cut in production in Russia, Europe and flooding in Canada and wheat growing areas of India. India, the second largest wheat producer in the world, is reportedly facing an "emergency situation" of a lack of storage for its grain stocks, with about 10 million tonnes of wheat and rice at risk of rotting due to exposure to monsoon rains.
Wheat prices soared by 20 to 25 per cent to touch $280-290 per tonne this month alone.
The Afghan nanwais (bread-makers) said the volume of rotis sold per day has come down by almost half and some of the shops have closed because of pressure on margins.
Says Yar Mohammed, owner of Marakish Bakery in the Sharjah Industrial Area: "The wheat prices have gone up from Dh 50 per 50 kg packet to Dh 90 now. For many years, we have been selling one roti for 75 fils and there are some bakeries selling even at 45 fils per roti, because there is no business and they are trying to lure customers by using low quality wheat."
He said the profit margins of roti makers have been thin and the volume of business has come down. "We used to sell 1,800 to 2,000 rotis per day when there were many customers in the Sharjah Industrial Area. Now the daily sales volume is down to 500 or 600 rotis."
He said Afghani roti is normally bought by inmates of the labour camps and residential buildings in the area.
The Sharjah industrial area has more than 40 bakeries, all engaged in the same business.
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100731055430/Growing%20wheat%20prices%20burn%20UAE%27s%20roti%20makers
Saudi Arabia: Ministry steps up food checks ahead of Ramadan
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
29 July 2010
RIYADH - The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has told regional officials to step up checks on food outlets "to ensure compliance with health regulations and protect consumers" as Ramadan approaches.
"All places related to public health need to be inspected more often and it must be ensured that food outlets offering a variety of food, particularly iftar and suhour meals, are in compliance with health regulations," the ministry said.
The ministry made special mention of stores selling dried fruit and nuts, the consumption of which increases in Ramadan, as well as date packaging plants and sweet and confectionary outlets. General hygiene, the ministry said, was to be inspected along with that of employees at shops and stalls offering food.
The ministry also banned the display of food and drink products on the ground in front of stores, and instructed officials to check that food was being transported and stored correctly and hygienically.
Several shops selling unhygienic food stuffs were either penalized or ordered closed recently in Jeddah.
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100729053135/Saudi%20Arabia%3A%20Ministry%20steps%20up%20food%20checks%20ahead%20of%20Ramadan%20
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
29 July 2010
RIYADH - The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has told regional officials to step up checks on food outlets "to ensure compliance with health regulations and protect consumers" as Ramadan approaches.
"All places related to public health need to be inspected more often and it must be ensured that food outlets offering a variety of food, particularly iftar and suhour meals, are in compliance with health regulations," the ministry said.
The ministry made special mention of stores selling dried fruit and nuts, the consumption of which increases in Ramadan, as well as date packaging plants and sweet and confectionary outlets. General hygiene, the ministry said, was to be inspected along with that of employees at shops and stalls offering food.
The ministry also banned the display of food and drink products on the ground in front of stores, and instructed officials to check that food was being transported and stored correctly and hygienically.
Several shops selling unhygienic food stuffs were either penalized or ordered closed recently in Jeddah.
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100729053135/Saudi%20Arabia%3A%20Ministry%20steps%20up%20food%20checks%20ahead%20of%20Ramadan%20
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Arabs mull $65bn food security plan
Posted by Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 28 July 2010
Arab nations are considering launching an ambitious strategy involving investment of nearly $65 billion (Dh238.7bn) in the next 20 years to expand their farming sector and ensure food for their fast-growing population.
The Khartoum-based Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development (AOAD) an affiliate of the 21-nation Arab League, has completed the Emergency Programme for Arab Food Security, which it said has been prompted by the deteriorating farm shortage in the region and soaring food prices.
The strategy includes three phases, the first of which is a five-year plan during 2010-2015.
The second stage will cover the 2010-2020 period and the third one stretches until 2030, when most farm products will nearly double.
Preparatory measures for the implementation of the first stage began in the first half of 2010 and it could be officially launched in 2011.
The first farming season in this five year plan is scheduled to begin in early 2012 once it is ratified.
AOAD which oversees Arab government farming policies and promotes joint agricultural projects in the region, said the first phase involves investment of about $27bn, which will rise to $51.5bn at the end of the second stage.
Total cumulative investments will reach $65.4bn in 2030.
Funding of the plan would be shared by the governments and the private sector and it will mainly cover nine large Arab nations--Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Tunisia, Syria, Iraq, Morocco and Yemen.
AOAD said it had chalked out the strategy in line with a decision by Arab farm ministers during their April 2008 meeting in Riyadh with the aim of facing any future global food crises, adding that it has to be endorsed by governments.
The strategy will focus on wheat, rice, barley, sugar cane, beet, sesame, and other products which are in a sharp shortage in the region, it said.
"This plan has been prompted by the recent global developments in the agricultural sector and the need to take effective measures to tackle this persistent and chronic food shortage in the Arab World," it said.
"As a result of a high population growth in the region, poor investment in the farming sector and soaring prices, the Arab food gap has steadily risen over the past years...it peaked at around $18bn last year and could surge to $71bn in 2030 without measures to tackle this problem."
The report estimated the combined Arab population at around 350 million at the end of 2009 and said they could soar by 63 per cent to 545 million in 2030.
It said investments in the emergency programme would have three main targets, including improvement of productivity, expansion of cultivated land by developing water resources, and establishment of joint farming ventures.
"The arable land is expected to be expanded by around 2.9 million hectares by 2030....the main aim is to increase wheat production by 81.3 per cent, rice by 56.5 per cent, barley by 81.2 per cent and sugar crops by 69.3 per cent. This will largely boost the rate of self sufficiency in these products and at the same time create nearly 8.7 million new jobs," AOAD said.
The report showed Arab states are currently suffering from a massive shortage in most of those products, standing at 43.9 per cent in wheat and other cereals, 74.8 per cent in cooking oil and 63.7 per cent in sugar products.
"The food security problem in the Arab world could deteriorate in the absence of real measures...many poor people in the region could become unable to get enough food and this poses serious threats to social stability," it said.
"The Arab food gap is going from bad to worse mainly because of the high population growth and relatively low growth in the farming sector."
Releasing its annual report on the farming sector in the region last month, AOAD said Arab countries have reeled under a cumulative food gap of more than $180bn over the past 10 years to emerge as the largest single farm importer despite their massive arable land potential.
Except for fish, vegetable and other minor crops, Arab nations are suffering from a persistent shortage in all types of farm products and the gap has steadily worsened over the past two decades, it said.
The report also blamed poor water resources in the region, low land utilization and investments, and what it described as defective Arab farm policies.
Nearly three years after they approved a 15-year common farm strategy in 2005, the Arab countries have become more reliant on farm imports as such a strategy remains inefficient in the absence of right policies and sufficient funds, it said.
What complicates the problem is that most wealthy Arab nations are still reluctant to invest heavily in farming projects in fertile member states for political and security reasons while only around 12 per cent of the total available arable land in the region is exploited, according to AOAD.
"There are several obstacles and challenges facing the development of the Arab farming sector...they include low investments, defective government policies, poor water resources, inefficient use of available land and water resources, and the low level of utilisation of available cultivated areas," it said.
"The biggest obstacle has been and will remain the relatively small water resources available in the region. This obstacle has blocked investment in the farming sector and will hinder any programme aimed at exploiting those areas."
The report showed the emergency plan would target wheat production of 3,409 tonnes in 2015, around 12,314 tonnes in 2020 and nearly 20,483 tonnes in 2030.
Barley output will reach 476 tonnes in 2015, about 1,689 tonnes in 2020 and nearly 3,201 tonnes in 2030.
Production of rice will rise to 1,182 tonnes, to 3,850 tonnes and 6,292 tonnes in the same period.
Total cereal production is targeted at around 5,067 tonnes in 2015, nearly 17,853 tonnes in 2020 and around 29,976 tonnes in 2030.
By Nadim Kawach
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100728054552/Arabs%20mull%20%2465bn%20food%20security%20plan
Posted by Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 28 July 2010
Arab nations are considering launching an ambitious strategy involving investment of nearly $65 billion (Dh238.7bn) in the next 20 years to expand their farming sector and ensure food for their fast-growing population.
The Khartoum-based Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development (AOAD) an affiliate of the 21-nation Arab League, has completed the Emergency Programme for Arab Food Security, which it said has been prompted by the deteriorating farm shortage in the region and soaring food prices.
The strategy includes three phases, the first of which is a five-year plan during 2010-2015.
The second stage will cover the 2010-2020 period and the third one stretches until 2030, when most farm products will nearly double.
Preparatory measures for the implementation of the first stage began in the first half of 2010 and it could be officially launched in 2011.
The first farming season in this five year plan is scheduled to begin in early 2012 once it is ratified.
AOAD which oversees Arab government farming policies and promotes joint agricultural projects in the region, said the first phase involves investment of about $27bn, which will rise to $51.5bn at the end of the second stage.
Total cumulative investments will reach $65.4bn in 2030.
Funding of the plan would be shared by the governments and the private sector and it will mainly cover nine large Arab nations--Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Tunisia, Syria, Iraq, Morocco and Yemen.
AOAD said it had chalked out the strategy in line with a decision by Arab farm ministers during their April 2008 meeting in Riyadh with the aim of facing any future global food crises, adding that it has to be endorsed by governments.
The strategy will focus on wheat, rice, barley, sugar cane, beet, sesame, and other products which are in a sharp shortage in the region, it said.
"This plan has been prompted by the recent global developments in the agricultural sector and the need to take effective measures to tackle this persistent and chronic food shortage in the Arab World," it said.
"As a result of a high population growth in the region, poor investment in the farming sector and soaring prices, the Arab food gap has steadily risen over the past years...it peaked at around $18bn last year and could surge to $71bn in 2030 without measures to tackle this problem."
The report estimated the combined Arab population at around 350 million at the end of 2009 and said they could soar by 63 per cent to 545 million in 2030.
It said investments in the emergency programme would have three main targets, including improvement of productivity, expansion of cultivated land by developing water resources, and establishment of joint farming ventures.
"The arable land is expected to be expanded by around 2.9 million hectares by 2030....the main aim is to increase wheat production by 81.3 per cent, rice by 56.5 per cent, barley by 81.2 per cent and sugar crops by 69.3 per cent. This will largely boost the rate of self sufficiency in these products and at the same time create nearly 8.7 million new jobs," AOAD said.
The report showed Arab states are currently suffering from a massive shortage in most of those products, standing at 43.9 per cent in wheat and other cereals, 74.8 per cent in cooking oil and 63.7 per cent in sugar products.
"The food security problem in the Arab world could deteriorate in the absence of real measures...many poor people in the region could become unable to get enough food and this poses serious threats to social stability," it said.
"The Arab food gap is going from bad to worse mainly because of the high population growth and relatively low growth in the farming sector."
Releasing its annual report on the farming sector in the region last month, AOAD said Arab countries have reeled under a cumulative food gap of more than $180bn over the past 10 years to emerge as the largest single farm importer despite their massive arable land potential.
Except for fish, vegetable and other minor crops, Arab nations are suffering from a persistent shortage in all types of farm products and the gap has steadily worsened over the past two decades, it said.
The report also blamed poor water resources in the region, low land utilization and investments, and what it described as defective Arab farm policies.
Nearly three years after they approved a 15-year common farm strategy in 2005, the Arab countries have become more reliant on farm imports as such a strategy remains inefficient in the absence of right policies and sufficient funds, it said.
What complicates the problem is that most wealthy Arab nations are still reluctant to invest heavily in farming projects in fertile member states for political and security reasons while only around 12 per cent of the total available arable land in the region is exploited, according to AOAD.
"There are several obstacles and challenges facing the development of the Arab farming sector...they include low investments, defective government policies, poor water resources, inefficient use of available land and water resources, and the low level of utilisation of available cultivated areas," it said.
"The biggest obstacle has been and will remain the relatively small water resources available in the region. This obstacle has blocked investment in the farming sector and will hinder any programme aimed at exploiting those areas."
The report showed the emergency plan would target wheat production of 3,409 tonnes in 2015, around 12,314 tonnes in 2020 and nearly 20,483 tonnes in 2030.
Barley output will reach 476 tonnes in 2015, about 1,689 tonnes in 2020 and nearly 3,201 tonnes in 2030.
Production of rice will rise to 1,182 tonnes, to 3,850 tonnes and 6,292 tonnes in the same period.
Total cereal production is targeted at around 5,067 tonnes in 2015, nearly 17,853 tonnes in 2020 and around 29,976 tonnes in 2030.
By Nadim Kawach
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100728054552/Arabs%20mull%20%2465bn%20food%20security%20plan
7 Arab countries take part in Baha honey festival
Posted by Zawya
Arab News
28 July 2010
JEDDAH: Bee farmers from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Kuwait, Algeria and Saudi Arabia are taking part in an international honey festival that opened in the southern tourist resort of Baha on Monday.
Prince Faisal bin Muhammad, deputy governor of Baha, opened the eight-day festival in Baljurashi and toured the 60 exhibitors' pavilions displaying various types of honey and its products.
Baljurashi Gov. Muhammad Dada noted the Baha governorate's support for bee farmers in the region. The governorate backed the formation of the first association of bee farmers in the Kingdom three years ago.
"The honey festival in Baha has become one of the main tourist attractions in the region," Dada said. He hoped that the annual festival would attract bee farmers from more countries in coming years.
Ahmed Al-Khazim, chairman of the organizing committee, said the festival is organized by the Association of Bee Farmers in cooperation with Abdullah Bugshan Honey Research Chair at King Saud University and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
"The festival will help honey farmers market their products, promote trade exchanges, understand the requirements of the honey business, exchange expertise in the field and enlighten the public on the importance of using honey," Al-Khazim said.
He emphasized the tremendous progress achieved by the Kingdom's honey industry during the past few years.
Saudi Arabia produces 8,000 tons of honey annually and imports 10,000 tons to meet the growing demand.
By P.K Abdul Ghafour
© Arab News 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100728042849/7%20Arab%20countries%20take%20part%20in%20Baha%20honey%20festival
Posted by Zawya
Arab News
28 July 2010
JEDDAH: Bee farmers from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Kuwait, Algeria and Saudi Arabia are taking part in an international honey festival that opened in the southern tourist resort of Baha on Monday.
Prince Faisal bin Muhammad, deputy governor of Baha, opened the eight-day festival in Baljurashi and toured the 60 exhibitors' pavilions displaying various types of honey and its products.
Baljurashi Gov. Muhammad Dada noted the Baha governorate's support for bee farmers in the region. The governorate backed the formation of the first association of bee farmers in the Kingdom three years ago.
"The honey festival in Baha has become one of the main tourist attractions in the region," Dada said. He hoped that the annual festival would attract bee farmers from more countries in coming years.
Ahmed Al-Khazim, chairman of the organizing committee, said the festival is organized by the Association of Bee Farmers in cooperation with Abdullah Bugshan Honey Research Chair at King Saud University and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
"The festival will help honey farmers market their products, promote trade exchanges, understand the requirements of the honey business, exchange expertise in the field and enlighten the public on the importance of using honey," Al-Khazim said.
He emphasized the tremendous progress achieved by the Kingdom's honey industry during the past few years.
Saudi Arabia produces 8,000 tons of honey annually and imports 10,000 tons to meet the growing demand.
By P.K Abdul Ghafour
© Arab News 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100728042849/7%20Arab%20countries%20take%20part%20in%20Baha%20honey%20festival
UAE denies entry of contagious goat shipments
Posted by Zawya
WAM (Emirates News Agency)
Dubai, 27th July 2010 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Environment and WaterMinistry of Environment and WaterLoading... has denied entry into the country of four shipments of 490 sheep goats found to be infected with contagious diseases. The shipments were returned back to the country of origin.
In a press release today, the ministry said the move is in line with efforts to protect public health and the country's animal wealth from epidemic diseases. It said that laboratory tests showed that the animals were infected with plague of small ruminants and foot and mouth disease.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20100728072026571/UAE%20denies%20entry%20of%20contagious%20goat%20shipments
Posted by Zawya
WAM (Emirates News Agency)
Dubai, 27th July 2010 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Environment and WaterMinistry of Environment and WaterLoading... has denied entry into the country of four shipments of 490 sheep goats found to be infected with contagious diseases. The shipments were returned back to the country of origin.
In a press release today, the ministry said the move is in line with efforts to protect public health and the country's animal wealth from epidemic diseases. It said that laboratory tests showed that the animals were infected with plague of small ruminants and foot and mouth disease.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20100728072026571/UAE%20denies%20entry%20of%20contagious%20goat%20shipments
Vegetables 2nd largest export of Jordan
Posted by Zawya
Jordan News Agency - Petra
28 July 2010
Amman - The Kingdom''s exports of vegetables ranked second after garments to be followed by potash and phosphate.
A statement by the Ministry of Agriculture, attributed the rise to the export of around 425,000 tonnes of vegetables compared to 338,000 tonnes during the first five months of 2009.
The rise in the volume of exports came due to joint efforts of the public and private sectors to overcome obstacles to reach foreign markets, the statement added.
Official figures by the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), showed that revenues from exports of vegetables during the first five months of 2010 rose by 23 percent standing at JD 173 million compared to the same period of 2009.
© Jordan News Agency - Petra 2010
News Link:
Posted by Zawya
Jordan News Agency - Petra
28 July 2010
Amman - The Kingdom''s exports of vegetables ranked second after garments to be followed by potash and phosphate.
A statement by the Ministry of Agriculture, attributed the rise to the export of around 425,000 tonnes of vegetables compared to 338,000 tonnes during the first five months of 2009.
The rise in the volume of exports came due to joint efforts of the public and private sectors to overcome obstacles to reach foreign markets, the statement added.
Official figures by the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), showed that revenues from exports of vegetables during the first five months of 2010 rose by 23 percent standing at JD 173 million compared to the same period of 2009.
© Jordan News Agency - Petra 2010
News Link:
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Saudi food imports set to grow after 2009 peak
Posted by Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 27 July 2010
Saudi Arabia's food imports bill climbed to an all-time high of more than SR65 billion in 2009 and the value is expected to surge in the next years because of high population growth and a decision to halt local wheat production.
Figures released ahead of the annual Saudi Farming Exhibition due to be held in October showed farm imports accounted for nearly 15 per cent of the kingdom's total imports, the fourth largest component of imports.
The figures showed the farming and food sector in Saudi Arabia, which constitutes more than a fifth of the total Arab economy, has swelled by nearly 18.5 per cent annually over the past decade mainly because of relatively rapid population growth and a steady increase in visitors to the country.
"Last year, the value of food imports by Saudi Arabia peaked at SR65.25bn as a result of a steady population growth, which is estimated at three per cent, as well as economic growth and high per capita income," said Khaled Daou, Director of the Exhibition, which will be held in Riyadh from October 4 to 7.
"We expect a further increase in demand for food in the coming five years because this growth and the increase in the number of visitors, which exceeded 10 million last year. Another factor is the expected rise in the number of foreign workers needed for the growing number of projects."
Quoted by Saudi newspapers, Daou said there are forecasts Saudi Arabia's population would grow by nearly 15.4 per cent in the next five years.
"This means that we will see an increase in the food import value and an intensified drive to achieve food security in the kingdom," he said.
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Saudi Arabia is the largest Arab food importer given its rapid population growth and poor arable land as it is mostly a desert. Last year, the kingdom's farm imports accounted for nearly 45 per cent of the total Arab food imports of about $39bn (Dh143bn), according to the Arab League.
Jolted by a surge in global food prices in 2007 and 2008, Saudi Arabia has turned abroad to ease reliance on farm imports by investing in agricultural projects in Sudan and other fertile countries.
But analysts believe such projects would not have a strong downward impact on imports as they will be offset by Riyadh's decision to halt local wheat production and rely on foreign imports to preserve its dwindling water wealth.
"There is no doubt this decision will only aggravate the kingdom's food import bill as the plan is to rely totally on imported wheat," a Riyadh-based economist said.
Saudi Arabia, which sits atop more than a fifth of the world's proven oil wealth, had produced nearly three million tonnes of wheat per year to meet domestic needs, but output is expected to plunge to one million tonnes this year following the government's decision to stop subsidising local production.
In the next two years, output could dip further and the country will become almost totally reliant on imports, mainly from the West.
"The decision we took two years ago to halt local wheat output is final and clear... there is no going back," Saudi Minister of Agriculture, Fahd Balghaneem, said in recent local press comments. "The country is now giving priority to water security over food security. This was a cabinet decision, which also directed us to stop producing wheat locally."
Balghaneem said Saudi Arabia, one of the poorest nations in water resources, imported in excess of one million tonnes of wheat last year and imports are projected to surge this year as local output is steadily declining.
"The decline is faster than the 12.5 per cent we had set annually. Farmers appear to realise that wheat cultivation is no longer feasible after the state decided to stop subsidies. Many of them have quit their farms and this means local production could drop to only one million tonnes this year."
With a population of more than 26 million at the end of last year, Saudi Arabia has announced that it would begin importing wheat at the start of 2009 and gradually eliminate a 25-year grain programme that has allowed it to be self-sufficient but drained its scarce desert water wealth.
Poor ground water resources have forced Saudi Arabia to rely on sea desalination facilities, for which it has invested hundreds of billions of dollars. The country is now the world's largest producer of desalinated water, which meets 70 per cent of its present drinking water needs.
The kingdom's 30 desalination plants pump more than 600 million gallons of water daily (over one billion cubic metres a year) through nearly 2,000 miles of pipeline. More than 50 cities and distribution centres in Saudi Arabia receive their water from these plants.
Per capita water consumption in Saudi Arabia is among the highest in the world. Water is heavily subsidised and while one cubic metre of water costs about $1.08 to produce, it is sold for only about three cents.
By Nadim Kawach
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100727054105/Saudi%20food%20imports%20set%20to%20grow%20after%202009%20peak
Posted by Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 27 July 2010
Saudi Arabia's food imports bill climbed to an all-time high of more than SR65 billion in 2009 and the value is expected to surge in the next years because of high population growth and a decision to halt local wheat production.
Figures released ahead of the annual Saudi Farming Exhibition due to be held in October showed farm imports accounted for nearly 15 per cent of the kingdom's total imports, the fourth largest component of imports.
The figures showed the farming and food sector in Saudi Arabia, which constitutes more than a fifth of the total Arab economy, has swelled by nearly 18.5 per cent annually over the past decade mainly because of relatively rapid population growth and a steady increase in visitors to the country.
"Last year, the value of food imports by Saudi Arabia peaked at SR65.25bn as a result of a steady population growth, which is estimated at three per cent, as well as economic growth and high per capita income," said Khaled Daou, Director of the Exhibition, which will be held in Riyadh from October 4 to 7.
"We expect a further increase in demand for food in the coming five years because this growth and the increase in the number of visitors, which exceeded 10 million last year. Another factor is the expected rise in the number of foreign workers needed for the growing number of projects."
Quoted by Saudi newspapers, Daou said there are forecasts Saudi Arabia's population would grow by nearly 15.4 per cent in the next five years.
"This means that we will see an increase in the food import value and an intensified drive to achieve food security in the kingdom," he said.
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Saudi Arabia is the largest Arab food importer given its rapid population growth and poor arable land as it is mostly a desert. Last year, the kingdom's farm imports accounted for nearly 45 per cent of the total Arab food imports of about $39bn (Dh143bn), according to the Arab League.
Jolted by a surge in global food prices in 2007 and 2008, Saudi Arabia has turned abroad to ease reliance on farm imports by investing in agricultural projects in Sudan and other fertile countries.
But analysts believe such projects would not have a strong downward impact on imports as they will be offset by Riyadh's decision to halt local wheat production and rely on foreign imports to preserve its dwindling water wealth.
"There is no doubt this decision will only aggravate the kingdom's food import bill as the plan is to rely totally on imported wheat," a Riyadh-based economist said.
Saudi Arabia, which sits atop more than a fifth of the world's proven oil wealth, had produced nearly three million tonnes of wheat per year to meet domestic needs, but output is expected to plunge to one million tonnes this year following the government's decision to stop subsidising local production.
In the next two years, output could dip further and the country will become almost totally reliant on imports, mainly from the West.
"The decision we took two years ago to halt local wheat output is final and clear... there is no going back," Saudi Minister of Agriculture, Fahd Balghaneem, said in recent local press comments. "The country is now giving priority to water security over food security. This was a cabinet decision, which also directed us to stop producing wheat locally."
Balghaneem said Saudi Arabia, one of the poorest nations in water resources, imported in excess of one million tonnes of wheat last year and imports are projected to surge this year as local output is steadily declining.
"The decline is faster than the 12.5 per cent we had set annually. Farmers appear to realise that wheat cultivation is no longer feasible after the state decided to stop subsidies. Many of them have quit their farms and this means local production could drop to only one million tonnes this year."
With a population of more than 26 million at the end of last year, Saudi Arabia has announced that it would begin importing wheat at the start of 2009 and gradually eliminate a 25-year grain programme that has allowed it to be self-sufficient but drained its scarce desert water wealth.
Poor ground water resources have forced Saudi Arabia to rely on sea desalination facilities, for which it has invested hundreds of billions of dollars. The country is now the world's largest producer of desalinated water, which meets 70 per cent of its present drinking water needs.
The kingdom's 30 desalination plants pump more than 600 million gallons of water daily (over one billion cubic metres a year) through nearly 2,000 miles of pipeline. More than 50 cities and distribution centres in Saudi Arabia receive their water from these plants.
Per capita water consumption in Saudi Arabia is among the highest in the world. Water is heavily subsidised and while one cubic metre of water costs about $1.08 to produce, it is sold for only about three cents.
By Nadim Kawach
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100727054105/Saudi%20food%20imports%20set%20to%20grow%20after%202009%20peak
Research panel to study Mideast climate change
Posted by Zawya
Khaleej Times
27 July 2010
DUBAI - An Indian research foundation has announced the launch of a dedicated programme to study the impact of climate change in the Middle East and the health problems it poses.
Scientists at the Shantigiri Research Foundation of Kerala have initiated the study on the environmental
and health issues faced by the
region, which is home to millions of expatriate workers.
To create an awareness about the programme among the public, especially the large expatriate community, the foundation is holding a seminar on 'Middle East Climate Change
and Health Research Programmes' in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram on September 10, organisers said
in Dubai.
The one-day panel discussion, involving renowned climate researchers and medical experts from the Middle East, is part of a three-day international conference on 'Global Warming, Climate Change and Sustainable Development' running from September 9 to12.
An estimated 100,000 people from all over the world are expected to participate. During the conference, the President of India, Pratibha Patel, will dedicate a lotus-shaped prayer house, organisers said.
"There has been little awareness about the significance of water conservation and the threat of environmental pollution in the Middle East," said Swami Gurumithran Jnana Thapaswi, Senior Member of the General Council of Shantigiri Research Foundation, a division of Shantigiri Ashram.
"The seminar seeks to bring to focus the need for conservation of water and the rationalisation of the use of this vital life force and issues related to water and climatic conditions," he added.
"Global warming is considered to be the major threat for peace in the ongoing millennium. Wars in future are
predicted to be in the name of water and natural resources. So it is the
responsibility of any individual to resist global warming by any means," said Swami Gurumithran, who was in Dubai on a brief visit.
Noted film director and actor Madhupal, who is coordinating the seminars, said climate change and environment issues are very critical for the Middle East, which is home to people from more than 180 countries. "The aim of the seminar is to create awareness about the environmental concerns of this region."
Ajith Pillai, GCC Convenor of the Research Foundation, said Shantigiri's Dubai clinic had already embarked on a research on skin and other ailments related to climate change.
"We expect the research results will be out by the end of this year. We will do the follow-up treatment for these patients at Shantigiri," he added.
By Issac John
© Khaleej Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100727042701/Research%20panel%20to%20study%20Mideast%20climate%20change%20
Posted by Zawya
Khaleej Times
27 July 2010
DUBAI - An Indian research foundation has announced the launch of a dedicated programme to study the impact of climate change in the Middle East and the health problems it poses.
Scientists at the Shantigiri Research Foundation of Kerala have initiated the study on the environmental
and health issues faced by the
region, which is home to millions of expatriate workers.
To create an awareness about the programme among the public, especially the large expatriate community, the foundation is holding a seminar on 'Middle East Climate Change
and Health Research Programmes' in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram on September 10, organisers said
in Dubai.
The one-day panel discussion, involving renowned climate researchers and medical experts from the Middle East, is part of a three-day international conference on 'Global Warming, Climate Change and Sustainable Development' running from September 9 to12.
An estimated 100,000 people from all over the world are expected to participate. During the conference, the President of India, Pratibha Patel, will dedicate a lotus-shaped prayer house, organisers said.
"There has been little awareness about the significance of water conservation and the threat of environmental pollution in the Middle East," said Swami Gurumithran Jnana Thapaswi, Senior Member of the General Council of Shantigiri Research Foundation, a division of Shantigiri Ashram.
"The seminar seeks to bring to focus the need for conservation of water and the rationalisation of the use of this vital life force and issues related to water and climatic conditions," he added.
"Global warming is considered to be the major threat for peace in the ongoing millennium. Wars in future are
predicted to be in the name of water and natural resources. So it is the
responsibility of any individual to resist global warming by any means," said Swami Gurumithran, who was in Dubai on a brief visit.
Noted film director and actor Madhupal, who is coordinating the seminars, said climate change and environment issues are very critical for the Middle East, which is home to people from more than 180 countries. "The aim of the seminar is to create awareness about the environmental concerns of this region."
Ajith Pillai, GCC Convenor of the Research Foundation, said Shantigiri's Dubai clinic had already embarked on a research on skin and other ailments related to climate change.
"We expect the research results will be out by the end of this year. We will do the follow-up treatment for these patients at Shantigiri," he added.
By Issac John
© Khaleej Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100727042701/Research%20panel%20to%20study%20Mideast%20climate%20change%20
Yemen: Modern techniques applied to agricultural production
Posted by Zawya
Yemen Observer
27 July 2010
The Undersecretary of Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry for Agricultural Production Development Sector Abdul Malik al-Thawr stressed on Tuesday the need to avail from studies and scientific research to raise the level of agricultural production through using modern techniques.
"The development of researches and agricultural guidance is among the priorities of the Ministry of Agriculture", said al-Thawr indicating that these researches would provide all institutions with the accurate scientific vision to be able to achieve the goal of agricultural development.
In a meeting with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD)'s delegation currently visiting Yemen headed by Head of the Center Rafiq Ali Saleh, al-Thawr noted the importance of developing the agricultural sector to enhance its role in ensuring food security.
He reviewed agricultural activities and the role of the General Authority for Researches and Agricultural Guidance in promoting the agricultural development through the modern techniques.
In the meeting, the two sides affirmed the significance of strengthening the current cooperation between Yemen and the Center and the possibility of availing from the Center's experiences in the field of techniques and advanced researches to serve the agricultural development, as well as the role of the Center in training the agricultural sector's cadres in Yemen.
They dealt with the procedures relating to the preparation of studies by the ACSAD on planting palm trees in the provinces of Hadramout and Mahrah, which will be funded under the grant provided by the Islamic Development Bank.
By Observer Staff
© Yemen Observer 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100727073300/Yemen%3A%20Modern%20techniques%20applied%20to%20agricultural%20production
Posted by Zawya
Yemen Observer
27 July 2010
The Undersecretary of Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry for Agricultural Production Development Sector Abdul Malik al-Thawr stressed on Tuesday the need to avail from studies and scientific research to raise the level of agricultural production through using modern techniques.
"The development of researches and agricultural guidance is among the priorities of the Ministry of Agriculture", said al-Thawr indicating that these researches would provide all institutions with the accurate scientific vision to be able to achieve the goal of agricultural development.
In a meeting with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD)'s delegation currently visiting Yemen headed by Head of the Center Rafiq Ali Saleh, al-Thawr noted the importance of developing the agricultural sector to enhance its role in ensuring food security.
He reviewed agricultural activities and the role of the General Authority for Researches and Agricultural Guidance in promoting the agricultural development through the modern techniques.
In the meeting, the two sides affirmed the significance of strengthening the current cooperation between Yemen and the Center and the possibility of availing from the Center's experiences in the field of techniques and advanced researches to serve the agricultural development, as well as the role of the Center in training the agricultural sector's cadres in Yemen.
They dealt with the procedures relating to the preparation of studies by the ACSAD on planting palm trees in the provinces of Hadramout and Mahrah, which will be funded under the grant provided by the Islamic Development Bank.
By Observer Staff
© Yemen Observer 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100727073300/Yemen%3A%20Modern%20techniques%20applied%20to%20agricultural%20production
Monday, July 26, 2010
Increased sea temperatures behind May fish kills in Gulf of Aden, say scientists
Posted by Zawya
Yemen Times
25 July 2010
SANA'A -- In a recent report on fish kills along the coast of the Gulf of Aden in May 2010, scientists concluded that the death of the fish was due to an increase in water temperature.
Some types of fish die when the water is too hot, reported Professors Mohammed Abubakr, Mohammed Al-Saafani and Hisham Nagi of the department of earth and environment at the University of Sana'a.
"The investigation showed strong evidence of [a] sudden increase [in] sea water temperature, which lowered the amount of dissolved oxygen in sea water and increased fish metabolism," they wrote. "This eventually [lead] to the death of the [blue triggerfish] which cannot tolerate such sudden increase[s] in temperature. Other possible factors [such as] depletion of oxygen due to algal growth, could have also contributed, to some extent to the stress on [fish]."
The study indicated that this happens naturally in the Gulf of Aden during the transition period between winter and summer. The same warming of the water has been reported in the past for different natural reasons, and most probably, it could happen again during the forthcoming southeast monsoon, depending on the strength of the wind and upwellings of seawater.
Yemen Liquid Natural Gas (YLNG) reported the fish kill in May 2010 in Balhaf on the coast in Shabwa governorate, where they have a plant to liquefy Yemeni natural gas prior to its export by sea.
On May 26, the team from Sana'a University travelled to the reported sites to investigate. The study was made upon the request of the company to investigate the possible causes of the incidence.
Besides visiting the YLNG plant, the scientists' field visit covered more than 150 km of the coastline, from Ain Ba Maba'ad west of Balhaf to the city of Mukalla in the east.
During their field visit, the scientists interviewed fishermen and studied site findings to examine all possible causes of such occurrences in the area. They also used meteorological data provided by satellite images for the northern Arabian Sea at the time of the fish kills.
Field observations and interviews with fishermen and local communities confirmed the death of fish along the 150 km of coastline between Al-Mukalla and Balhaf, and it turned out that the blue triggerfish was the most affected species, comprising over 95 percent of the dead fish.
According to locals, the fish kill incident started on the 8th and 9th of May 2010 and lasted for a few days. Fishermen have described this kind of fish kill as a naturally occurring phenomenon which happens regularly, according to the study.
However, the scientist couldn't find samples of dead fish to collect because most of dead fish had already been washed out to sea. It was also too late to measure other environmental parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, toxic materials, and trace metals, so they used data from the YLNG weekly monitoring reports for Balhaf in their study.
"By examining the common causes of death, dissolved oxygen jumps out as the most probable reason for fish mortality. The ability to tolerate low dissolved oxygen levels depends on the species and their size," scientists wrote.
The study pointed out that there were unconfirmed reports of fish kills, mainly of blue triggerfish, in the Arabian Sea in November 2007.
According to the Yemeni study, a similar event was reported from the island of Reunion in the Maldives in 2002 and 2001, where groups of triggerfish were found dead. The results from this event reported the presence of a species of bacteria known to be associated with fish deaths in the spleens of the dead fish.
By Khaled Al-Hilaly
© Yemen Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100725112118/Increased%20sea%20temperatures%20behind%20May%20fish%20kills%20in%20Gulf%20of%20Aden%2C%20say%20scientists
Posted by Zawya
Yemen Times
25 July 2010
SANA'A -- In a recent report on fish kills along the coast of the Gulf of Aden in May 2010, scientists concluded that the death of the fish was due to an increase in water temperature.
Some types of fish die when the water is too hot, reported Professors Mohammed Abubakr, Mohammed Al-Saafani and Hisham Nagi of the department of earth and environment at the University of Sana'a.
"The investigation showed strong evidence of [a] sudden increase [in] sea water temperature, which lowered the amount of dissolved oxygen in sea water and increased fish metabolism," they wrote. "This eventually [lead] to the death of the [blue triggerfish] which cannot tolerate such sudden increase[s] in temperature. Other possible factors [such as] depletion of oxygen due to algal growth, could have also contributed, to some extent to the stress on [fish]."
The study indicated that this happens naturally in the Gulf of Aden during the transition period between winter and summer. The same warming of the water has been reported in the past for different natural reasons, and most probably, it could happen again during the forthcoming southeast monsoon, depending on the strength of the wind and upwellings of seawater.
Yemen Liquid Natural Gas (YLNG) reported the fish kill in May 2010 in Balhaf on the coast in Shabwa governorate, where they have a plant to liquefy Yemeni natural gas prior to its export by sea.
On May 26, the team from Sana'a University travelled to the reported sites to investigate. The study was made upon the request of the company to investigate the possible causes of the incidence.
Besides visiting the YLNG plant, the scientists' field visit covered more than 150 km of the coastline, from Ain Ba Maba'ad west of Balhaf to the city of Mukalla in the east.
During their field visit, the scientists interviewed fishermen and studied site findings to examine all possible causes of such occurrences in the area. They also used meteorological data provided by satellite images for the northern Arabian Sea at the time of the fish kills.
Field observations and interviews with fishermen and local communities confirmed the death of fish along the 150 km of coastline between Al-Mukalla and Balhaf, and it turned out that the blue triggerfish was the most affected species, comprising over 95 percent of the dead fish.
According to locals, the fish kill incident started on the 8th and 9th of May 2010 and lasted for a few days. Fishermen have described this kind of fish kill as a naturally occurring phenomenon which happens regularly, according to the study.
However, the scientist couldn't find samples of dead fish to collect because most of dead fish had already been washed out to sea. It was also too late to measure other environmental parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, toxic materials, and trace metals, so they used data from the YLNG weekly monitoring reports for Balhaf in their study.
"By examining the common causes of death, dissolved oxygen jumps out as the most probable reason for fish mortality. The ability to tolerate low dissolved oxygen levels depends on the species and their size," scientists wrote.
The study pointed out that there were unconfirmed reports of fish kills, mainly of blue triggerfish, in the Arabian Sea in November 2007.
According to the Yemeni study, a similar event was reported from the island of Reunion in the Maldives in 2002 and 2001, where groups of triggerfish were found dead. The results from this event reported the presence of a species of bacteria known to be associated with fish deaths in the spleens of the dead fish.
By Khaled Al-Hilaly
© Yemen Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100725112118/Increased%20sea%20temperatures%20behind%20May%20fish%20kills%20in%20Gulf%20of%20Aden%2C%20say%20scientists
Oman: Soaring wheat prices may make flour, bread dearer
Posted by Zawya
Times of Oman
26 July 2010
MUSCAT: The soaring wheat prices in the international markets since the beginning of the month is likely to jack up prices of wheat flour, besides bringing down margins of flour mills, if it continues for some more months.
"Wheat prices soared by 20 to 25 per cent to touch $280-290 per tonne this month alone," said a senior official of a leading flour mill.
Although it is too early to predict the future trend in prices, industry sources indicated that the local flour producers will be left with no other option but to pass on the additional burden to the consumers, if it continues for some more months. "However, it is too early to comment on it. We have to wait and watch the trend in prices."
Oman has two flour mills -- majority state-owned Oman Flour Mills and Salalah Flour Mills. In fact, wheat prices show tremendous growth at a time when the government is taking efforts to raise strategic reserves of essential food grains to maintain price stability.
As part of this initiative, the government is building a 200,000-tonne capacity silo facility at Sohar Port and enhancing the storage facility at Salalah from 40,000 tonnes to 140,000 tonnes. This will help Oman maintain a strategic reserve of food grains for nine months as against three months now.
Crop failure
The recent spurt in wheat price was mainly due to a crop failure in Russia and few other major producing countries. "Russia declared that the actual wheat production will be much lower than the earlier estimate," said a market analyst. Lack of rain in Russia, Kazakhstan and the European Union and floods in Canada have damaged crops, boosting wheat futures across the globe since June.
Omani companies import different grades of wheat from Australia, Europe and Iran.
Market analysts said that the growing trend in wheat price is a problem for flour mills across the Gulf region, as the industry is vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices.
According to a leading brokerage firm, a UAE-based flour producer's gross margin fell from 23.6 per cent in the second quarter of 2009 to 20.2 per cent for the same period of this year, mainly due to soaring grain cost. When wheat touched a record high in 2008, government supported local companies by paying subsidies on flour.
As a result, there was a positive impact in curbing the severity of soaring flour prices as well as on the cost of bread.
However, the prices started coming down thereafter and flour producers started bringing down selling price of flour products.
© Times of Oman 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100726045347/Oman%3A%20Soaring%20wheat%20prices%20may%20make%20flour%2C%20bread%20dearer
Posted by Zawya
Times of Oman
26 July 2010
MUSCAT: The soaring wheat prices in the international markets since the beginning of the month is likely to jack up prices of wheat flour, besides bringing down margins of flour mills, if it continues for some more months.
"Wheat prices soared by 20 to 25 per cent to touch $280-290 per tonne this month alone," said a senior official of a leading flour mill.
Although it is too early to predict the future trend in prices, industry sources indicated that the local flour producers will be left with no other option but to pass on the additional burden to the consumers, if it continues for some more months. "However, it is too early to comment on it. We have to wait and watch the trend in prices."
Oman has two flour mills -- majority state-owned Oman Flour Mills and Salalah Flour Mills. In fact, wheat prices show tremendous growth at a time when the government is taking efforts to raise strategic reserves of essential food grains to maintain price stability.
As part of this initiative, the government is building a 200,000-tonne capacity silo facility at Sohar Port and enhancing the storage facility at Salalah from 40,000 tonnes to 140,000 tonnes. This will help Oman maintain a strategic reserve of food grains for nine months as against three months now.
Crop failure
The recent spurt in wheat price was mainly due to a crop failure in Russia and few other major producing countries. "Russia declared that the actual wheat production will be much lower than the earlier estimate," said a market analyst. Lack of rain in Russia, Kazakhstan and the European Union and floods in Canada have damaged crops, boosting wheat futures across the globe since June.
Omani companies import different grades of wheat from Australia, Europe and Iran.
Market analysts said that the growing trend in wheat price is a problem for flour mills across the Gulf region, as the industry is vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices.
According to a leading brokerage firm, a UAE-based flour producer's gross margin fell from 23.6 per cent in the second quarter of 2009 to 20.2 per cent for the same period of this year, mainly due to soaring grain cost. When wheat touched a record high in 2008, government supported local companies by paying subsidies on flour.
As a result, there was a positive impact in curbing the severity of soaring flour prices as well as on the cost of bread.
However, the prices started coming down thereafter and flour producers started bringing down selling price of flour products.
© Times of Oman 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100726045347/Oman%3A%20Soaring%20wheat%20prices%20may%20make%20flour%2C%20bread%20dearer
Egypt to increase supply of goods during Ramadan
Posted by Zawya
Daily News Egypt
25 July 2010
State agencies are to increase supply of meat, poultry fish, oils, rice and beans in order to keep prices low during Ramadan, reported Al-Ahram newspaper.
Other measures are being taken in order to relieve inflationary pressure including setting up outlets which provide goods at prices 20 percent lower than their market price, Beltone Finacial said in its daily market report.
The government will also increase the quota of butane by 25 percent, and increase the quotas of subsidized flour to bakeries.
"Increased seasonal prices are expected during the month of Ramadan with increased demand. We expect inflation to average between 10 percent and 12 percent for the remainder of the year," said Beltone.
© Daily News Egypt 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100726082424/Egypt%20to%20increase%20supply%20of%20goods%20during%20Ramadan
Posted by Zawya
Daily News Egypt
25 July 2010
State agencies are to increase supply of meat, poultry fish, oils, rice and beans in order to keep prices low during Ramadan, reported Al-Ahram newspaper.
Other measures are being taken in order to relieve inflationary pressure including setting up outlets which provide goods at prices 20 percent lower than their market price, Beltone Finacial said in its daily market report.
The government will also increase the quota of butane by 25 percent, and increase the quotas of subsidized flour to bakeries.
"Increased seasonal prices are expected during the month of Ramadan with increased demand. We expect inflation to average between 10 percent and 12 percent for the remainder of the year," said Beltone.
© Daily News Egypt 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100726082424/Egypt%20to%20increase%20supply%20of%20goods%20during%20Ramadan
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Bahrain: BD500,000 fund to aid farmers
Posted by Zawya
Bahrain Tribune
24 July 2010
The Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture has allocated an annual budget of half a million dinars to help distressed farmers in the Kingdom.
This was revealed by assistant undersecretary for agricultural affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities, Dr. Salman Abdul Nabi Al Khuzaii.
The ministry will support farmers with new machines and pesticides to improve the quality and quantity of crops. "We want all farmers to adopt the latest approach and hi-tech technologies widely prevalent in other parts of the world. We are sure this will increase their agricultural produce and in turn make their lives better," Al Khuzaii said. The farmer-support-fund is part of the national strategy to ensure food security.
The ministry is also conducting training sessions for farmers on preparing and tilling the soil, in addition to imparting lessons on protecting plants from animal and pest attack.
Dr Al Khuzaii pointed out that the ministry has been taking a keen interest on the Red Palm Weevil project by providing all services to farmers in controlling this pest. The government is planning to take steps to guard plants from red palm weevil.
"Earlier, at least 50,000 palms in the Kingdom were affected by the weevil attack, but now thanks to our efforts, the affected plants have come down to 20,000," he said.
By Staff Reporter
© Bahrain Tribune 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100724060226/Bahrain
Posted by Zawya
Bahrain Tribune
24 July 2010
The Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture has allocated an annual budget of half a million dinars to help distressed farmers in the Kingdom.
This was revealed by assistant undersecretary for agricultural affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities, Dr. Salman Abdul Nabi Al Khuzaii.
The ministry will support farmers with new machines and pesticides to improve the quality and quantity of crops. "We want all farmers to adopt the latest approach and hi-tech technologies widely prevalent in other parts of the world. We are sure this will increase their agricultural produce and in turn make their lives better," Al Khuzaii said. The farmer-support-fund is part of the national strategy to ensure food security.
The ministry is also conducting training sessions for farmers on preparing and tilling the soil, in addition to imparting lessons on protecting plants from animal and pest attack.
Dr Al Khuzaii pointed out that the ministry has been taking a keen interest on the Red Palm Weevil project by providing all services to farmers in controlling this pest. The government is planning to take steps to guard plants from red palm weevil.
"Earlier, at least 50,000 palms in the Kingdom were affected by the weevil attack, but now thanks to our efforts, the affected plants have come down to 20,000," he said.
By Staff Reporter
© Bahrain Tribune 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100724060226/Bahrain
Dhamar farmers revive coffee plantations after years of abandonment
Posted by Zawya
Yemen Times
25 July 2010
DHAMAR -- After persuasion from the local council, many farmers in Dhamar governorate have agreed to remove qat and corn from their farms and grow coffee trees instead.
The local authorities convinced the farmers by facilitating the coffee marketing process and ensuring that the coffee would be sold at an attractive price. This was a successful policy because farmers in Dhamar had abandoned coffee farming across the past year when the price went down dramatically. The governorate has now insured a 300 percent increase in coffee prices, making one kilo of dry coffee cherries worth eight dollars.
"There has been an increasing demand on coffee seedlings in recent years as many farmers are now expanding their coffee plantations. This happened as coffee prices increased, and now I am providing seedlings to many farmers from all over the governorate, especially places that were famous for coffee in the past," said Mohammed Al-Dhabobi, a coffee seedling nursery owner in the Al-Nobitain area of Dhamar.
One of the coffee farmers, Mohammed Ali Hifthallah, from Otma district in Dhamar, said that he started with 200 seedlings three years ago. The state-run rural development project gave him 30 sacks of cement to help fix the ground water tank he uses to water the coffee trees.
"I am expecting to see a harvest next year. My area used to produce a lot of coffee in the past, but many farmers were negatively affected by soil erosion and highways that cut into their land, so they stopped growing coffee. Now there is a trend to go back to coffee plantations with encouragement from the state," said Hidhallah.
The state has created several initiatives across the country to replace qat with coffee. One of these projects is based in Dhamar. Agriculture engineer Kamal Shamsan, the project's coordinator, said that local authorities representing the agriculture office and the rural development project endorse coffee farming and distribute coffee seedlings to the farmers along with tools, and they also create awareness activities to help farmers optimally benefit from their land. The state also supports farmers in infrastructure projects, such as water tanks for their lands.
"Dhamar governorate has a good climate that is suitable for growing coffee, and these areas used to be famous for their coffee trees, to the extent that farmers would even market their produce in other governorates," said Shamsan.
He added that the locals are now growing plants that produce a specific round type of coffee bean. This variety stores well for long periods of time, resists pests, and is popular because of its quality and flavor.
Through this initiative, three associations were created and supported with tools and equipment, allowing them to help in marketing coffee by acting as mediators between the farmers and the traders.
These associations are already selling coffee to large corporations such as Al-Ezi and Al-Kabous.
Executive director of the rural development project in Dhamar, Engineer Abdulkarim Abdullah Al-Eryani, said that the project distributed more than 71,730 hundred seedlings to 648 farmers between 2006 and 2010.
The project also helped to establish or repair 296 water tanks to collect rainwater for irrigating coffee trees. They provided the farmers with more than seven thousand cement sacs, agricultural equipment, and training on how to use them.
"We are aiming to encourage coffee farming and to get farmers interested in diversifying their agricultural production in order to enhance their living standards. This also means that they need to change their habits and lifestyles, and we are helping them do this through training and raising awareness," said Al-Eryani.
© Yemen Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100725112003/Dhamar%20farmers%20revive%20coffee%20plantations%20after%20years%20of%20abandonment
Posted by Zawya
Yemen Times
25 July 2010
DHAMAR -- After persuasion from the local council, many farmers in Dhamar governorate have agreed to remove qat and corn from their farms and grow coffee trees instead.
The local authorities convinced the farmers by facilitating the coffee marketing process and ensuring that the coffee would be sold at an attractive price. This was a successful policy because farmers in Dhamar had abandoned coffee farming across the past year when the price went down dramatically. The governorate has now insured a 300 percent increase in coffee prices, making one kilo of dry coffee cherries worth eight dollars.
"There has been an increasing demand on coffee seedlings in recent years as many farmers are now expanding their coffee plantations. This happened as coffee prices increased, and now I am providing seedlings to many farmers from all over the governorate, especially places that were famous for coffee in the past," said Mohammed Al-Dhabobi, a coffee seedling nursery owner in the Al-Nobitain area of Dhamar.
One of the coffee farmers, Mohammed Ali Hifthallah, from Otma district in Dhamar, said that he started with 200 seedlings three years ago. The state-run rural development project gave him 30 sacks of cement to help fix the ground water tank he uses to water the coffee trees.
"I am expecting to see a harvest next year. My area used to produce a lot of coffee in the past, but many farmers were negatively affected by soil erosion and highways that cut into their land, so they stopped growing coffee. Now there is a trend to go back to coffee plantations with encouragement from the state," said Hidhallah.
The state has created several initiatives across the country to replace qat with coffee. One of these projects is based in Dhamar. Agriculture engineer Kamal Shamsan, the project's coordinator, said that local authorities representing the agriculture office and the rural development project endorse coffee farming and distribute coffee seedlings to the farmers along with tools, and they also create awareness activities to help farmers optimally benefit from their land. The state also supports farmers in infrastructure projects, such as water tanks for their lands.
"Dhamar governorate has a good climate that is suitable for growing coffee, and these areas used to be famous for their coffee trees, to the extent that farmers would even market their produce in other governorates," said Shamsan.
He added that the locals are now growing plants that produce a specific round type of coffee bean. This variety stores well for long periods of time, resists pests, and is popular because of its quality and flavor.
Through this initiative, three associations were created and supported with tools and equipment, allowing them to help in marketing coffee by acting as mediators between the farmers and the traders.
These associations are already selling coffee to large corporations such as Al-Ezi and Al-Kabous.
Executive director of the rural development project in Dhamar, Engineer Abdulkarim Abdullah Al-Eryani, said that the project distributed more than 71,730 hundred seedlings to 648 farmers between 2006 and 2010.
The project also helped to establish or repair 296 water tanks to collect rainwater for irrigating coffee trees. They provided the farmers with more than seven thousand cement sacs, agricultural equipment, and training on how to use them.
"We are aiming to encourage coffee farming and to get farmers interested in diversifying their agricultural production in order to enhance their living standards. This also means that they need to change their habits and lifestyles, and we are helping them do this through training and raising awareness," said Al-Eryani.
© Yemen Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100725112003/Dhamar%20farmers%20revive%20coffee%20plantations%20after%20years%20of%20abandonment
Egypt announces 110th discovered bird flu case
Posted by Zawya
KUNA (Kuwait News Agency)
24 July 2010
CAIRO -- Egypt on Saturday announced the 110th discovered bird flu case in the country, saying the patient's condition is "critical".
"The 20-year-old female was transferred to Sadr al-Abbasiya Hospital in Cairo, as she was suffering from high temperature and breathing difficulties," Health Ministry Spokesman Dr. Abdulrahman Shahin told reporters.
The patient has been medicated with Tamiflu and is still under supervision, he noted.
Egypt had taken preventive measures to contain the pandemic since its outbreak in 2006, including restraints on mobilizing live birds between provinces, as well as banning the slaughtering of birds outside allocated locations among other precautions.
© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100725064041/Egypt%20announces%20110th%20discovered%20bird%20flu%20case%20
Posted by Zawya
KUNA (Kuwait News Agency)
24 July 2010
CAIRO -- Egypt on Saturday announced the 110th discovered bird flu case in the country, saying the patient's condition is "critical".
"The 20-year-old female was transferred to Sadr al-Abbasiya Hospital in Cairo, as she was suffering from high temperature and breathing difficulties," Health Ministry Spokesman Dr. Abdulrahman Shahin told reporters.
The patient has been medicated with Tamiflu and is still under supervision, he noted.
Egypt had taken preventive measures to contain the pandemic since its outbreak in 2006, including restraints on mobilizing live birds between provinces, as well as banning the slaughtering of birds outside allocated locations among other precautions.
© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100725064041/Egypt%20announces%20110th%20discovered%20bird%20flu%20case%20
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Eastern Province heat wave reduces fish catch
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
21 July 2010
QATIF - With the catch of fish in the Arabian Gulf already declining, the current heat wave has further limited the marine harvest because local fishermen here are unwilling to venture far out on the open sea due to the high temperatures.
The Qatif Fish Resources Research Center, which oversees the fishing sector in the Eastern Province and monitors the fish catch particularly during summer season, anticipates that because of the heat wave the fish harvest this summer will be lower than at the same time last year.
"The catch will be lower this year because many local traditional fishermen are not going out to fish," an official of the center said.
"The situation, however, is not so serious that it will cause a shortage of fish in the market," he added.
He said commercial fishing companies have remained active in the Arabian Gulf despite the heat wave.
"It is the small fishermen who are more affected, thereby creating a shortage in local fish markets and causing a slight increase in prices," he said.
The center is now preparing for the six-month shrimping season, which starts in August. This is the time of year when the government lifts the ban allowing local fishermen to harvest shrimps in designated areas in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.
Catching shrimps is prohibited for half of the year, starting in February, to give juvenile shrimps time to mature.
The peak shrimp harvest is usually during the month of September onwards when the jumbo variety is available.
During the shrimp season, prices are usually reduced from more than SR30 per kilo to about SR20 per kilo.
The Kingdom harvests about 3,000 metric tons of shrimps during the shrimping season.
The Ministry of Agriculture estimates the Kingdom's annual marine fish production to be 49,000 metric tons with 9,000 metric tons of crustaceans, including the 3,000 metric tons of shrimps.
These figures exclude aquaculture production.
By Joe Avancena
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100721045616/Saudi%27s%20Eastern%20Province%20heat%20wave%20reduces%20fish%20catch
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
21 July 2010
QATIF - With the catch of fish in the Arabian Gulf already declining, the current heat wave has further limited the marine harvest because local fishermen here are unwilling to venture far out on the open sea due to the high temperatures.
The Qatif Fish Resources Research Center, which oversees the fishing sector in the Eastern Province and monitors the fish catch particularly during summer season, anticipates that because of the heat wave the fish harvest this summer will be lower than at the same time last year.
"The catch will be lower this year because many local traditional fishermen are not going out to fish," an official of the center said.
"The situation, however, is not so serious that it will cause a shortage of fish in the market," he added.
He said commercial fishing companies have remained active in the Arabian Gulf despite the heat wave.
"It is the small fishermen who are more affected, thereby creating a shortage in local fish markets and causing a slight increase in prices," he said.
The center is now preparing for the six-month shrimping season, which starts in August. This is the time of year when the government lifts the ban allowing local fishermen to harvest shrimps in designated areas in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.
Catching shrimps is prohibited for half of the year, starting in February, to give juvenile shrimps time to mature.
The peak shrimp harvest is usually during the month of September onwards when the jumbo variety is available.
During the shrimp season, prices are usually reduced from more than SR30 per kilo to about SR20 per kilo.
The Kingdom harvests about 3,000 metric tons of shrimps during the shrimping season.
The Ministry of Agriculture estimates the Kingdom's annual marine fish production to be 49,000 metric tons with 9,000 metric tons of crustaceans, including the 3,000 metric tons of shrimps.
These figures exclude aquaculture production.
By Joe Avancena
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100721045616/Saudi%27s%20Eastern%20Province%20heat%20wave%20reduces%20fish%20catch
UAE: Panel begins inspection of farms
Posted by Zawya
Khaleej Times
21 July 2010
ABU DHABI -- After the winners of 'dabas', the first dates category competition, were announced at the Liwa Date Festival on Sunday, the judging committee began inspecting the farms of participants in 'alkhneizi' category.
Farms are inspected as part of the strict terms and conditions of the competition to make sure no chemicals are used in date production.
On Tuesday, 74 farms were inspected before the 15 winners could be announced.
"The strict rules and the high accuracy followed by the judging committee made some participants to withdraw from the competition," said Obeid Al Mazrouei, director of the festival.
"The overwhelming number of visitors to the festival is an evidence for the great success of the event. Despite the hot weather and rising temperature, people are still coming to the middle of the desert to witness the lovely authentic Emirati heritage. This is evidence that the festival has become an important tourist event," he added.
The youth have also revealed outstanding creative talents to develop the production of dates, according to Al Mazrouei.
Date pickles with different flavours are on display at the market along with new productions related to dates such as special kidney tea, coffee, eye-liner and essence -- all made from date seeds mixed with other natural ingredients.
The festival also hosted culture and heritage lectures arranged by the Culture, Youth and Social Development Centre of the Western Region at the folkloric performances tent.
© Khaleej Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100721041823/UAE%3A%20Panel%20begins%20inspection%20of%20farms%20
Posted by Zawya
Khaleej Times
21 July 2010
ABU DHABI -- After the winners of 'dabas', the first dates category competition, were announced at the Liwa Date Festival on Sunday, the judging committee began inspecting the farms of participants in 'alkhneizi' category.
Farms are inspected as part of the strict terms and conditions of the competition to make sure no chemicals are used in date production.
On Tuesday, 74 farms were inspected before the 15 winners could be announced.
"The strict rules and the high accuracy followed by the judging committee made some participants to withdraw from the competition," said Obeid Al Mazrouei, director of the festival.
"The overwhelming number of visitors to the festival is an evidence for the great success of the event. Despite the hot weather and rising temperature, people are still coming to the middle of the desert to witness the lovely authentic Emirati heritage. This is evidence that the festival has become an important tourist event," he added.
The youth have also revealed outstanding creative talents to develop the production of dates, according to Al Mazrouei.
Date pickles with different flavours are on display at the market along with new productions related to dates such as special kidney tea, coffee, eye-liner and essence -- all made from date seeds mixed with other natural ingredients.
The festival also hosted culture and heritage lectures arranged by the Culture, Youth and Social Development Centre of the Western Region at the folkloric performances tent.
© Khaleej Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100721041823/UAE%3A%20Panel%20begins%20inspection%20of%20farms%20
Qatar seeks GCC standards for edible oil
Posted by Zawya
The Peninsula
21 July 2010
DOHA: The GCC Standards Organisation is busy developing standards and specifications for dates, honey and several other food items of mass use which are either produced locally or imported.
GCC states are among the key producers of dates.
Qatar, on its part, has proposed to the GCC Standards Committee development of standards and specifications for edible oil, most of which is imported, a local Arabic daily reported yesterday.
The regional standards organisation has so far developed standards for more than 6,000 items and they mainly include foodstuff, building materials, agricultural products, electronic goods and electrical appliances.
Quoting the Director of the Department of Labs and Metrology at Qatar's Ministry of Environment, Dr Mohamed Saif Al Kuwari, the daily said a GCC-wide directory of companies which have acquired international quality certification for their products and services is being published.
The directory is expected to be ready by the year-end and its main objective is to encourage other companies based in the region to seek global certification for quality.
The Qatar labs and metrology department will promote the directory locally, Al Kuwari added, stressing that the regional standards organisation was also busy upgrading standards for some commodities and services.
© The Peninsula 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100721055933/Qatar%20seeks%20GCC%20standards%20for%20edible%20oil
Posted by Zawya
The Peninsula
21 July 2010
DOHA: The GCC Standards Organisation is busy developing standards and specifications for dates, honey and several other food items of mass use which are either produced locally or imported.
GCC states are among the key producers of dates.
Qatar, on its part, has proposed to the GCC Standards Committee development of standards and specifications for edible oil, most of which is imported, a local Arabic daily reported yesterday.
The regional standards organisation has so far developed standards for more than 6,000 items and they mainly include foodstuff, building materials, agricultural products, electronic goods and electrical appliances.
Quoting the Director of the Department of Labs and Metrology at Qatar's Ministry of Environment, Dr Mohamed Saif Al Kuwari, the daily said a GCC-wide directory of companies which have acquired international quality certification for their products and services is being published.
The directory is expected to be ready by the year-end and its main objective is to encourage other companies based in the region to seek global certification for quality.
The Qatar labs and metrology department will promote the directory locally, Al Kuwari added, stressing that the regional standards organisation was also busy upgrading standards for some commodities and services.
© The Peninsula 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100721055933/Qatar%20seeks%20GCC%20standards%20for%20edible%20oil
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Ministry of Environment and Water culls 200 infectious sheep
WAM (Emirates News Agency)
Dubai ,19th July 2010 (WAM) -- Ministry of Environment and Water has culled a shipment of 200 sheep and goats seized in an smuggling attempt through one of the country's exits. The legal procedures were taken and the animals were confiscated as for violating import regulations followed in the country as per the ministerial resolution number /548/ of 2008 and the federal law number 6 of 1979 on veterinary quarantine.
The ministry said that the shipment had also breached the animal welfare law number 16 of 2006 regarding conditions of transportation of livestock. Laboratory tests have also shown that the animals were found infected with plague of small ruminants, food and mouth disease and blue tongue, a group of epidemic contagious ills infecting both man and animal.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20100720044027407/Ministry%20of%20Environment
WAM (Emirates News Agency)
Dubai ,19th July 2010 (WAM) -- Ministry of Environment and Water has culled a shipment of 200 sheep and goats seized in an smuggling attempt through one of the country's exits. The legal procedures were taken and the animals were confiscated as for violating import regulations followed in the country as per the ministerial resolution number /548/ of 2008 and the federal law number 6 of 1979 on veterinary quarantine.
The ministry said that the shipment had also breached the animal welfare law number 16 of 2006 regarding conditions of transportation of livestock. Laboratory tests have also shown that the animals were found infected with plague of small ruminants, food and mouth disease and blue tongue, a group of epidemic contagious ills infecting both man and animal.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20100720044027407/Ministry%20of%20Environment
KLTT to import 216,000 head of sheep for Ramadan
Posted by Zawya
KUNA (Kuwait News Agency)
19 July 2010
KUWAIT -- Livestock Transport and Trading Company (KLTT) a Kuwaiti public shareholding company, announced on Monday it would import up to 216,000 head of sheep in the run up to the Holy Month of Ramadan, (Arabic lunar month to start around August 11, 2010) The move aims to meet the demand on meat which is expected to rise in the holy month, KLTT Chairman and Managing Director Bader Al-Jarallah told KUNA.
"The company shoulders a responsibility for ensuring food security in the country," he said. "Some 55,000 head of sheep are expected to arrive in Kuwait in two shipments in July in addition to 100,000 August and 61,000 in September," Al-Jarallah revealed. "The global market suffers from the shortage of livestock and steadily rising prices due to the growing demand. This costs KLTT a lot of losses in honoring its 37-year long national commitment. "Nevertheless, the company will continue supplying the nationals and residents in Kuwait with meat through the butcher's and home delivery services nationwide," he pointed out.
Al-Jarallah added that the company has finalized the preparations for importing the high-quality sheep from Georgia by air for the first time in Kuwait.
© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100720071106/KLTT%20to%20import%20216%2C000%20head%20of%20sheep%20for%20Ramadan%20
Posted by Zawya
KUNA (Kuwait News Agency)
19 July 2010
KUWAIT -- Livestock Transport and Trading Company (KLTT) a Kuwaiti public shareholding company, announced on Monday it would import up to 216,000 head of sheep in the run up to the Holy Month of Ramadan, (Arabic lunar month to start around August 11, 2010) The move aims to meet the demand on meat which is expected to rise in the holy month, KLTT Chairman and Managing Director Bader Al-Jarallah told KUNA.
"The company shoulders a responsibility for ensuring food security in the country," he said. "Some 55,000 head of sheep are expected to arrive in Kuwait in two shipments in July in addition to 100,000 August and 61,000 in September," Al-Jarallah revealed. "The global market suffers from the shortage of livestock and steadily rising prices due to the growing demand. This costs KLTT a lot of losses in honoring its 37-year long national commitment. "Nevertheless, the company will continue supplying the nationals and residents in Kuwait with meat through the butcher's and home delivery services nationwide," he pointed out.
Al-Jarallah added that the company has finalized the preparations for importing the high-quality sheep from Georgia by air for the first time in Kuwait.
© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100720071106/KLTT%20to%20import%20216%2C000%20head%20of%20sheep%20for%20Ramadan%20
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
SFDA bans ‘Stable Sugar’
Posted by Saudi Gazette
By Abdullah Al-Maqati
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 - 08 Shaban 1431 H
DHULUM – The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has warned against a herbal product sold online and ordered that it be withdrawn from the shelves if it is available in the market.
The SFDA said that an Internet site selling “Stable Sugar” produced by the US Natural Medicine International Company was falsely claiming the product could completely cure diabetes. The product, it said, contained unidentified substances.
“There are no studies proving the veracity of the claims,” an SFDA statement said. “They aim to make a profit through the medication, which is expensive, and there is no proof that the product is effective.”
The SFDA reiterated that the purchase of medication online was illegal. It added that it would penalize anyone found trading in such products, and renewed calls for the public and health specialists to report side effects from any medications. – Okaz/SG
News Link: http://saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010072078591
Posted by Saudi Gazette
By Abdullah Al-Maqati
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 - 08 Shaban 1431 H
DHULUM – The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has warned against a herbal product sold online and ordered that it be withdrawn from the shelves if it is available in the market.
The SFDA said that an Internet site selling “Stable Sugar” produced by the US Natural Medicine International Company was falsely claiming the product could completely cure diabetes. The product, it said, contained unidentified substances.
“There are no studies proving the veracity of the claims,” an SFDA statement said. “They aim to make a profit through the medication, which is expensive, and there is no proof that the product is effective.”
The SFDA reiterated that the purchase of medication online was illegal. It added that it would penalize anyone found trading in such products, and renewed calls for the public and health specialists to report side effects from any medications. – Okaz/SG
News Link: http://saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010072078591
UAE: Firm denies reducing prices of dates
Posted by Zawya
Khaleej Times
20 July 2010
ABU DHABI - There seem to be fewer companies present at the Liwa Date Festival this year, but one that could never give it a miss is Al Foah, the largest dates buyer in the UAE.
"At the six receiving centres we have across the emirates, we buy 75,000 tonnes of dates every year, all from UAE producers," said Mohammed Ghanim, director of external relations at Al Foah.
As for sales, from this year it has been expanded to 28 countries, including Eastern Europe, as well as parts of America, Australia, Asia and Western Europe.
Farmers across Abu Dhabi emirate have complained, though, that in the past few years, Al Foah has reduced the buying prices and some of them now prefer to use the dates as animal feed than to sell it at the low prices.
"That is not actually true. We do have a few large farms selling to us, from Dh1,000 before to Dh100 now, but we concentrate more on the small and medium farms," said Ghanim.
All in all, Al Foah is working with 16,000 small, medium, above medium and large farms. The large category means over 15 tonnes of dates.
During the festival, no dates will be bought, as the company only purchases "tamar" dates, the fully ripe ones, rather than the half-ripe "ratab".
"The 'tamer' will not be ready until later next month and that is when we will start receiving them at our centres," added Ghanim.
The business of heritage
The Liwa Date Festival has a much stronger emphasis on local customs and traditions this year, with competitions planed for folkloric groups and handicrafts.
In one of the three wings of the specially designed tent, the souq has been set up and this summer no less than 159 outlets are selling a variety of handicrafts.
The festival's renowned hospitality has added even more colour through the demonstration of women's handicrafts at the 12 guest corners or "majlis" - the hospitality tent. The best products, based on quality and authenticity, will be rewarded later in the festival.
To encourage both men and women to learn and preserve Emirati handicrafts, Al Sawghah, part of the Khalifa Fund for Developing Small and Medium Enterprises, is also present in the festival.
Supervisor Laila Bin Al Qasim explained that the initiative aims at invigorating the Emirati heritage and making it a way of living for the local communities.
"This is why we looked for men and women with handcraft skills and enrolled them at training workshops to develop their skills further and give them the necessary information about production and marketing," she said.
"The financial returns generated through the initiative's participation in the festival doubles our benefit through the social integration of women and the exposure of their productive and creative skills that must be further encouraged."
Another big, traditional attraction in the festival is the "ayalla" (gun) folkloric show. Among the dozens of participating groups are the Al Ain Youth. Established in 2005, the group has 50 musicians and singers, specialising not just in "ayalla", but other Bedouin-inspired performances, such as "alyulah" or "alharbeyah".
"Ayalla symbolises a war between two tribes, with attacks and retreats and duels at fast tempo, culminating with the peace that prevails among the fighting parties," said Mosbeh Khalfan, the group's supervisor.
By Silvia Radan
© Khaleej Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100720041437/UAE%3A%20Firm%20denies%20reducing%20prices%20of%20dates
Posted by Zawya
Khaleej Times
20 July 2010
ABU DHABI - There seem to be fewer companies present at the Liwa Date Festival this year, but one that could never give it a miss is Al Foah, the largest dates buyer in the UAE.
"At the six receiving centres we have across the emirates, we buy 75,000 tonnes of dates every year, all from UAE producers," said Mohammed Ghanim, director of external relations at Al Foah.
As for sales, from this year it has been expanded to 28 countries, including Eastern Europe, as well as parts of America, Australia, Asia and Western Europe.
Farmers across Abu Dhabi emirate have complained, though, that in the past few years, Al Foah has reduced the buying prices and some of them now prefer to use the dates as animal feed than to sell it at the low prices.
"That is not actually true. We do have a few large farms selling to us, from Dh1,000 before to Dh100 now, but we concentrate more on the small and medium farms," said Ghanim.
All in all, Al Foah is working with 16,000 small, medium, above medium and large farms. The large category means over 15 tonnes of dates.
During the festival, no dates will be bought, as the company only purchases "tamar" dates, the fully ripe ones, rather than the half-ripe "ratab".
"The 'tamer' will not be ready until later next month and that is when we will start receiving them at our centres," added Ghanim.
The business of heritage
The Liwa Date Festival has a much stronger emphasis on local customs and traditions this year, with competitions planed for folkloric groups and handicrafts.
In one of the three wings of the specially designed tent, the souq has been set up and this summer no less than 159 outlets are selling a variety of handicrafts.
The festival's renowned hospitality has added even more colour through the demonstration of women's handicrafts at the 12 guest corners or "majlis" - the hospitality tent. The best products, based on quality and authenticity, will be rewarded later in the festival.
To encourage both men and women to learn and preserve Emirati handicrafts, Al Sawghah, part of the Khalifa Fund for Developing Small and Medium Enterprises, is also present in the festival.
Supervisor Laila Bin Al Qasim explained that the initiative aims at invigorating the Emirati heritage and making it a way of living for the local communities.
"This is why we looked for men and women with handcraft skills and enrolled them at training workshops to develop their skills further and give them the necessary information about production and marketing," she said.
"The financial returns generated through the initiative's participation in the festival doubles our benefit through the social integration of women and the exposure of their productive and creative skills that must be further encouraged."
Another big, traditional attraction in the festival is the "ayalla" (gun) folkloric show. Among the dozens of participating groups are the Al Ain Youth. Established in 2005, the group has 50 musicians and singers, specialising not just in "ayalla", but other Bedouin-inspired performances, such as "alyulah" or "alharbeyah".
"Ayalla symbolises a war between two tribes, with attacks and retreats and duels at fast tempo, culminating with the peace that prevails among the fighting parties," said Mosbeh Khalfan, the group's supervisor.
By Silvia Radan
© Khaleej Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100720041437/UAE%3A%20Firm%20denies%20reducing%20prices%20of%20dates
Monday, July 19, 2010
Saudi Arabia: Food security is top priority,says official
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
19 July 2010
RIYADH - Food security has become top priority for Saudi Arabia, as the country is looking at a population increase of 15.4 percent during the next five-year period.
The increasing rate of population, rising personal income and sustained national economic growth helped Saudi Arabia import over SR65 billion worth of food and agricultural products in 2009 alone, according to a high-ranking official of Riyadh Exhibition Company (REC).
Saudi Arabia's food sector, the largest in the Gulf, continues to expand annually at a steady rate of 18.5 percent.
"Saudi Arabia is looking at a population increase of around 15.4 percent within the next five-year period and food security is thus among the top priorities under its long-term development agenda," said Khalid Daou, Project Manager of REC's Saudi Agriculture Division.
He said Saudi Agro-Food 2010 - the 17th International Trade Show for Food Products will be organized from Oct. 4 to 7, 2010 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Daou said Saudi Agro-Food 2010 will serve as a vital platform for Saudi leaders and policy-makers to meet and discuss solutions with the industry's food and agriculture figures and look for partnerships deals that can help satisfy food demand.
The event will attract regional and international exhibitors and manufacturers to explore opportunities offered by the Gulf's largest agricultural importer.
The exhibition offers valuable perspectives on how to pursue local agricultural and food prospects, he said.
By Shahid Ali Khan
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100719052637/Food%20security
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
19 July 2010
RIYADH - Food security has become top priority for Saudi Arabia, as the country is looking at a population increase of 15.4 percent during the next five-year period.
The increasing rate of population, rising personal income and sustained national economic growth helped Saudi Arabia import over SR65 billion worth of food and agricultural products in 2009 alone, according to a high-ranking official of Riyadh Exhibition Company (REC).
Saudi Arabia's food sector, the largest in the Gulf, continues to expand annually at a steady rate of 18.5 percent.
"Saudi Arabia is looking at a population increase of around 15.4 percent within the next five-year period and food security is thus among the top priorities under its long-term development agenda," said Khalid Daou, Project Manager of REC's Saudi Agriculture Division.
He said Saudi Agro-Food 2010 - the 17th International Trade Show for Food Products will be organized from Oct. 4 to 7, 2010 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Daou said Saudi Agro-Food 2010 will serve as a vital platform for Saudi leaders and policy-makers to meet and discuss solutions with the industry's food and agriculture figures and look for partnerships deals that can help satisfy food demand.
The event will attract regional and international exhibitors and manufacturers to explore opportunities offered by the Gulf's largest agricultural importer.
The exhibition offers valuable perspectives on how to pursue local agricultural and food prospects, he said.
By Shahid Ali Khan
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100719052637/Food%20security
Jordan: 'Food prices to be stable in Ramadan'
Posted by Zawya
Jordan Times
19 July 2010
AMMAN - The Ministry of Industry and Trade will issue a consumer guide on Tuesday detailing the prices of food commodities to raise awareness on correct prices ahead of Ramadan. Ministry Secretary General Maha Ali said officials have followed up on the availability of basic food items with importers and restaurant owners who stressed that prices will be stable during the holy month.
In a ministry statement sent to The Jordan Times yesterday, she added that the ministry will boost market inspections in?Ramadan to ensure that food items remain affordable.
© Jordan Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100719044117/%27Food%20prices%20in%20Jordan%20to%20be%20stable%20in%20Ramadan%27
Posted by Zawya
Jordan Times
19 July 2010
AMMAN - The Ministry of Industry and Trade will issue a consumer guide on Tuesday detailing the prices of food commodities to raise awareness on correct prices ahead of Ramadan. Ministry Secretary General Maha Ali said officials have followed up on the availability of basic food items with importers and restaurant owners who stressed that prices will be stable during the holy month.
In a ministry statement sent to The Jordan Times yesterday, she added that the ministry will boost market inspections in?Ramadan to ensure that food items remain affordable.
© Jordan Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100719044117/%27Food%20prices%20in%20Jordan%20to%20be%20stable%20in%20Ramadan%27
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Kuwait dairies get subsidy
KUNA (Kuwait News Agency)
17 July 2010
KUWAIT -- Kuwaiti dairies are poised to obtain the so-called "fresh milk subsidy" for the FY 2009-2010 soon, an official said here Saturday.
Subsidy distribution is to be made according to the allowed absorptive capacity of farms for the first quarter of 2010, Kuwait Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Deputy Director General for Financial and Administrative Affairs Hanadi Bastami said in a release.
Subsidy sums are to be transferred to dairy owners' bank accounts within a couple of days' time, the PAAAFR official, he said, adding that 40 farms are to be given the subsidy.
© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100718061122/Kuwait%20dairies%20get%20subsidy
KUNA (Kuwait News Agency)
17 July 2010
KUWAIT -- Kuwaiti dairies are poised to obtain the so-called "fresh milk subsidy" for the FY 2009-2010 soon, an official said here Saturday.
Subsidy distribution is to be made according to the allowed absorptive capacity of farms for the first quarter of 2010, Kuwait Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Deputy Director General for Financial and Administrative Affairs Hanadi Bastami said in a release.
Subsidy sums are to be transferred to dairy owners' bank accounts within a couple of days' time, the PAAAFR official, he said, adding that 40 farms are to be given the subsidy.
© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100718061122/Kuwait%20dairies%20get%20subsidy
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Saudi investors to explore opportunities in Malaysia
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
17 July 2010
KUALA LUMPUR - Saudi businessmen should explore investment opportunities in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) especially in the petrochemical, agriculture and tourism industries, Bernama news agency reported on Friday.
"I am very happy to note that there are many business opportunities in ECER Malaysia that Saudi investors can participate in," said Prince Abdulaziz Faisal Al-Saud, who is part of a delegation from Saudi Arabia which is on a five-day business visit to Malaysia beginning July 12.
A statement from East Coast Economic Region said the delegation would identify key projects within the ECER that can be pursued by Saudi investors.
The Prince and delegation members were briefed on potential investment opportunities in the Kertih Polymer Park, Palm Oil Industrial Cluster, Gambang Halal Park, livestock agriculture projects and the development of Cherating, Pantai Sepat and Teluk Bidara. The visit is reciprocal to the visit made by the ECER Development Council (ECERDC) investment delegation in May, led by the National Corridor Development Adviser, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Meanwhile, ECERDC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John was quoted as saying in the statement that firm investment commitments are expected to be made by several investors from Saudi Arabia by year-end. "We are confident their interest to invest in ECER will be realized soon, based on ongoing discussions with potential investors, and the call made by Prince Abdul Aziz," he said.
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100717045355/Saudi%20investors%20to%20explore
Posted by Zawya
The Saudi Gazette
17 July 2010
KUALA LUMPUR - Saudi businessmen should explore investment opportunities in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) especially in the petrochemical, agriculture and tourism industries, Bernama news agency reported on Friday.
"I am very happy to note that there are many business opportunities in ECER Malaysia that Saudi investors can participate in," said Prince Abdulaziz Faisal Al-Saud, who is part of a delegation from Saudi Arabia which is on a five-day business visit to Malaysia beginning July 12.
A statement from East Coast Economic Region said the delegation would identify key projects within the ECER that can be pursued by Saudi investors.
The Prince and delegation members were briefed on potential investment opportunities in the Kertih Polymer Park, Palm Oil Industrial Cluster, Gambang Halal Park, livestock agriculture projects and the development of Cherating, Pantai Sepat and Teluk Bidara. The visit is reciprocal to the visit made by the ECER Development Council (ECERDC) investment delegation in May, led by the National Corridor Development Adviser, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Meanwhile, ECERDC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jebasingam Issace John was quoted as saying in the statement that firm investment commitments are expected to be made by several investors from Saudi Arabia by year-end. "We are confident their interest to invest in ECER will be realized soon, based on ongoing discussions with potential investors, and the call made by Prince Abdul Aziz," he said.
© The Saudi Gazette 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100717045355/Saudi%20investors%20to%20explore
Animal rights activists banned from protest at Dubai zoo
Posted by Zawya
AFP
DUBAI, Jul 15, 2010 (AFP) - Dubai police banned two demonstrators from animal rights group PETA from starting a protest branding zoos as "animal prisons" on Thursday, saying they were not authorised.
Dressed in prison suits and sporting monkey masks, the two activists of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals marched down the road next to Dubai Zoo carrying banners reading "Zoos: Cruel Animal Prisons."
"We want to talk about what's going on inside the zoo," senior PETA campaigner, Ashley Fruno said, addressing an adamant policeman.
"The zoo has a governement taking care of it," the unrelenting officer replied, reminding the activists that demonstrations in Dubai are not allowed "without permission."
The activists, including PETA director Jason Baker, said they had applied for a permit two weeks ago, and that the request was turned down by the municipality.
"It's very sad that we're being turned away. All we're trying to do is to spread a message of compassion and to tell people 'please if you care about animals don't go to the zoo,'" Baker told AFP.
"We're trying to convey the message that animals in the zoos are suffering and we want to educate the people of Dubai that what's happening in the zoo is unacceptable," Fruno said.
The lobby group's activists charged that animals in Dubai zoo are lacking water, food, and space to move around, saying that the 20,000 square metres (215,000 square feet) into which some 80 animals are fitted leave the creatures in deteriorating health conditions.
Fruno said those in charge of the zoo "are aware of the problems" and are aware that "there's no enrichment in their cages ... yet they're not making any changes."
The Canadian activist described the zoo as "a black eye on the face of a progressive and developed Dubai."
"We've been pushing for improvements to the animal welfare law and there has been some progress," Baker said. "The animal welfare law started around a year ago here. That was an improvement, but it's not enough as it doesn't cover most animals."
The group's next stop will be Cairo, where they are planning to promote vegetarianism.
lyn/ak/al
© Copyright AFP 2010.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidANA20100715T141057ZHJA36/Animal%20rights%20activists%20banned%20from%20protest%20at%20Dubai%20zoo
Posted by Zawya
AFP
DUBAI, Jul 15, 2010 (AFP) - Dubai police banned two demonstrators from animal rights group PETA from starting a protest branding zoos as "animal prisons" on Thursday, saying they were not authorised.
Dressed in prison suits and sporting monkey masks, the two activists of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals marched down the road next to Dubai Zoo carrying banners reading "Zoos: Cruel Animal Prisons."
"We want to talk about what's going on inside the zoo," senior PETA campaigner, Ashley Fruno said, addressing an adamant policeman.
"The zoo has a governement taking care of it," the unrelenting officer replied, reminding the activists that demonstrations in Dubai are not allowed "without permission."
The activists, including PETA director Jason Baker, said they had applied for a permit two weeks ago, and that the request was turned down by the municipality.
"It's very sad that we're being turned away. All we're trying to do is to spread a message of compassion and to tell people 'please if you care about animals don't go to the zoo,'" Baker told AFP.
"We're trying to convey the message that animals in the zoos are suffering and we want to educate the people of Dubai that what's happening in the zoo is unacceptable," Fruno said.
The lobby group's activists charged that animals in Dubai zoo are lacking water, food, and space to move around, saying that the 20,000 square metres (215,000 square feet) into which some 80 animals are fitted leave the creatures in deteriorating health conditions.
Fruno said those in charge of the zoo "are aware of the problems" and are aware that "there's no enrichment in their cages ... yet they're not making any changes."
The Canadian activist described the zoo as "a black eye on the face of a progressive and developed Dubai."
"We've been pushing for improvements to the animal welfare law and there has been some progress," Baker said. "The animal welfare law started around a year ago here. That was an improvement, but it's not enough as it doesn't cover most animals."
The group's next stop will be Cairo, where they are planning to promote vegetarianism.
lyn/ak/al
© Copyright AFP 2010.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidANA20100715T141057ZHJA36/Animal%20rights%20activists%20banned%20from%20protest%20at%20Dubai%20zoo
Water shortages hit southern coast and northern villages
Posted by Zawya
The Daily Star
16 July 2010
SIDON/ TRIPOLI: With authorities warning of a possible heat wave this season, some people might be in a worse situation than others, as certain regions are suffering from scarce water supplies.
In the southern coastal city of Sidon and in the northern villages of Dinnieh and Bsharri, water has been limited throughout July, not only threatening the people’s daily routines but also their livelihood.
Many reasons were attributed to the problem in Sidon, including rationing, technical problems and malfunctioning of water pumps, but the outcome is the same according to the locals: Poor people pay the price.
“We’re begging for a drop of water,” said Samah al-Gharibi on Thursday.
The lack of water has hindered the resident’s daily tasks, from cooking to showering and cleaning, and complaints have started to rise in the city.
“We’ve been talking to officials for 10 days but our complaints have fallen on deaf ears. All we get are promises,” said Dalal al-Jardali.
Some residents have taken matters into their own hands and have started getting water from the Nahr al-Awwali river. About 10 gallons of water last one day.
Others have sought help at the Sidon firefighting department, where each family receives a small share of water.
“This month is so hot and temperatures are so high, how can they cut the water supply? What country are we living in?” asked local Suha Kirke.
Nonetheless, authorities insist there are reasons behind the problem. An official from the South Lebanon Water Authority mentioned repairing damages, routine maintenance work and rationing. “The crisis will be over soon,” he added.
However, these justifications fail to ease the minds of locals. Mahmoud al-Hijazi recalled road works executed last year to place 24 hour emergency electricity cables underground and link them to water pumps.
At the same time, in North Lebanon, the villages of Dinnieh and Bsharri have been witnessing their underground water supplies dry up. The summer heat and lack of water is threatening agriculture, the main activity in the region.
Local officials met earlier this week to discuss the matter, particularly disputes that have begun to erupt between the two villages, which contain over 300 families dependent on farming incomes.
The race to obtain water has allegedly led some people to shift the course of water canals coming from Qornet al-Sawda, Lebanon’s highest summit.
Bqaasafrine-Dinnieh Mayor Munir Kanaj urged an end to these violations, saying “a final solution for these annual violations” should be found.
Kanaj then denied Dinnieh locals were responsible for stealing water or cutting off water from other regions. “This was proven to be wrong by many official reports,” he said.
© Copyright The Daily Star 2010.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidDS16072010_dsart6(4)/Lebanon%3A%20Water%20shortages%20hit%20southern%20coast%20and%20northern%20villages
Posted by Zawya
The Daily Star
16 July 2010
SIDON/ TRIPOLI: With authorities warning of a possible heat wave this season, some people might be in a worse situation than others, as certain regions are suffering from scarce water supplies.
In the southern coastal city of Sidon and in the northern villages of Dinnieh and Bsharri, water has been limited throughout July, not only threatening the people’s daily routines but also their livelihood.
Many reasons were attributed to the problem in Sidon, including rationing, technical problems and malfunctioning of water pumps, but the outcome is the same according to the locals: Poor people pay the price.
“We’re begging for a drop of water,” said Samah al-Gharibi on Thursday.
The lack of water has hindered the resident’s daily tasks, from cooking to showering and cleaning, and complaints have started to rise in the city.
“We’ve been talking to officials for 10 days but our complaints have fallen on deaf ears. All we get are promises,” said Dalal al-Jardali.
Some residents have taken matters into their own hands and have started getting water from the Nahr al-Awwali river. About 10 gallons of water last one day.
Others have sought help at the Sidon firefighting department, where each family receives a small share of water.
“This month is so hot and temperatures are so high, how can they cut the water supply? What country are we living in?” asked local Suha Kirke.
Nonetheless, authorities insist there are reasons behind the problem. An official from the South Lebanon Water Authority mentioned repairing damages, routine maintenance work and rationing. “The crisis will be over soon,” he added.
However, these justifications fail to ease the minds of locals. Mahmoud al-Hijazi recalled road works executed last year to place 24 hour emergency electricity cables underground and link them to water pumps.
At the same time, in North Lebanon, the villages of Dinnieh and Bsharri have been witnessing their underground water supplies dry up. The summer heat and lack of water is threatening agriculture, the main activity in the region.
Local officials met earlier this week to discuss the matter, particularly disputes that have begun to erupt between the two villages, which contain over 300 families dependent on farming incomes.
The race to obtain water has allegedly led some people to shift the course of water canals coming from Qornet al-Sawda, Lebanon’s highest summit.
Bqaasafrine-Dinnieh Mayor Munir Kanaj urged an end to these violations, saying “a final solution for these annual violations” should be found.
Kanaj then denied Dinnieh locals were responsible for stealing water or cutting off water from other regions. “This was proven to be wrong by many official reports,” he said.
© Copyright The Daily Star 2010.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidDS16072010_dsart6(4)/Lebanon%3A%20Water%20shortages%20hit%20southern%20coast%20and%20northern%20villages
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Importers manipulate Saudi meat market
Posted by Zawya
Arab News
15 July 2010
JEDDAH: For generations, lamb has been a traditional staple used in a multitude of dishes at wedding banquets and has become a must for Saudi dining tables for iftar and sahoor meals during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to industry sources, this has helped some businessmen cash in heftily by monopolizing the import meat market and allowing them to manipulate prices in their favor.
"Recently, with the unavoidable increase in demand for lamb and other meat due to the wedding season and upcoming Ramadan, many Saudi businessmen have visited meat exporting countries such as Syria, India, Pakistan, Sudan and Somalia to secure sole distributorship contracts with local meat suppliers," Hassan Hamoud Ali Nasser, a butcher at Al-Manal Al-Gharbia Shop who has worked in Jeddah for more than 25 years, told Arab News.
If a Saudi businessman were to go a particular country and secure a contract allowing him to act as a sole distributor of meat to the Kingdom, he would be able to set prices as desired, he explained.
In addition, he would not have any pressure to keep prices stable due to commercial competition since he is the only Saudi supplier for that country.
"These kinds of business deals have been the main cause of a 15 to 20 percent increase in prices since last month," Nasser said.
When asked if the Ministry of Commerce or Ministry of Agriculture were regulating these kinds of deals to keep prices fair, Nasser said these organizations were only there to ensure that imported livestock were healthy and making sure correct license-related procedures were being followed.
Nasser said another factor driving up prices is the ban on the import of chilled meat to Saudi Arabia, which has been in effect for the past four to five years.
"We are only receiving live animals from approved exporting countries and since live animals are more expensive than chilled meat, consumers are forced to pay higher prices," he said.
He said prices of live animals fluctuate daily in the local market, which in turn forces him to change prices at his shop to make a profit.
Nasser also said that imports from Australia have declined by up to 70 percent due to skyrocketing prices. Previously, the market used to be very popular, he added.
Mutton exports from Australia to Saudi Arabia were an estimated 21,473 tons in 2009, according to the Meat and Livestock Australia. This is only around half of 2008 levels.
Recent pricing information from Portland and Fremantle, the two Australian ports where large numbers of sheep are shipped to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, revealed prices had increased from SR375 to SR450 per animal.
Nasser said a whole Australian sheep is being sold on the Saudi market for SR800 to SR900 per animal, up from SR400 two months ago.
According to estimates from Business Monitor International (BMI), meat consumption is forecast to increase by 7.92 percent from 2011 through to 2014, exceeding BMI's prediction of a GDP growth of only 2.85 percent.
Prices of sheep at the Jeddah livestock market south of the city reflected the increase in cost.
"The current price for a local Saudi Nagdi is SR80 a kilogram or SR950 per head, Sudanese Sawakni is SR800 to SR850 per head, Somali Balbali is SR750, while Syrian Noami is SR700 to SR750 per head," said Mishari Abu Khaled, owner of an animal stall in the livestock market.
Abu Khaled also added that he expects prices to increase further in the next few days.
"I can see prices easily going up by another SR150 to SR300 per head, depending on what type of sheep is purchased and depending on where it is bought," he said.
He added that this was due to the start of the high shopping season in preparation for Ramadan.
By Sarah Abdullah
© Arab News 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100715040917/Importers%20manipulate%20Saudi%20meat%20market
Posted by Zawya
Arab News
15 July 2010
JEDDAH: For generations, lamb has been a traditional staple used in a multitude of dishes at wedding banquets and has become a must for Saudi dining tables for iftar and sahoor meals during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to industry sources, this has helped some businessmen cash in heftily by monopolizing the import meat market and allowing them to manipulate prices in their favor.
"Recently, with the unavoidable increase in demand for lamb and other meat due to the wedding season and upcoming Ramadan, many Saudi businessmen have visited meat exporting countries such as Syria, India, Pakistan, Sudan and Somalia to secure sole distributorship contracts with local meat suppliers," Hassan Hamoud Ali Nasser, a butcher at Al-Manal Al-Gharbia Shop who has worked in Jeddah for more than 25 years, told Arab News.
If a Saudi businessman were to go a particular country and secure a contract allowing him to act as a sole distributor of meat to the Kingdom, he would be able to set prices as desired, he explained.
In addition, he would not have any pressure to keep prices stable due to commercial competition since he is the only Saudi supplier for that country.
"These kinds of business deals have been the main cause of a 15 to 20 percent increase in prices since last month," Nasser said.
When asked if the Ministry of Commerce or Ministry of Agriculture were regulating these kinds of deals to keep prices fair, Nasser said these organizations were only there to ensure that imported livestock were healthy and making sure correct license-related procedures were being followed.
Nasser said another factor driving up prices is the ban on the import of chilled meat to Saudi Arabia, which has been in effect for the past four to five years.
"We are only receiving live animals from approved exporting countries and since live animals are more expensive than chilled meat, consumers are forced to pay higher prices," he said.
He said prices of live animals fluctuate daily in the local market, which in turn forces him to change prices at his shop to make a profit.
Nasser also said that imports from Australia have declined by up to 70 percent due to skyrocketing prices. Previously, the market used to be very popular, he added.
Mutton exports from Australia to Saudi Arabia were an estimated 21,473 tons in 2009, according to the Meat and Livestock Australia. This is only around half of 2008 levels.
Recent pricing information from Portland and Fremantle, the two Australian ports where large numbers of sheep are shipped to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, revealed prices had increased from SR375 to SR450 per animal.
Nasser said a whole Australian sheep is being sold on the Saudi market for SR800 to SR900 per animal, up from SR400 two months ago.
According to estimates from Business Monitor International (BMI), meat consumption is forecast to increase by 7.92 percent from 2011 through to 2014, exceeding BMI's prediction of a GDP growth of only 2.85 percent.
Prices of sheep at the Jeddah livestock market south of the city reflected the increase in cost.
"The current price for a local Saudi Nagdi is SR80 a kilogram or SR950 per head, Sudanese Sawakni is SR800 to SR850 per head, Somali Balbali is SR750, while Syrian Noami is SR700 to SR750 per head," said Mishari Abu Khaled, owner of an animal stall in the livestock market.
Abu Khaled also added that he expects prices to increase further in the next few days.
"I can see prices easily going up by another SR150 to SR300 per head, depending on what type of sheep is purchased and depending on where it is bought," he said.
He added that this was due to the start of the high shopping season in preparation for Ramadan.
By Sarah Abdullah
© Arab News 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100715040917/Importers%20manipulate%20Saudi%20meat%20market
Prawn farm seeks to benefit from Aramco experience
Posted by Zawya
Arab News
15 July 2010
AL-LAITH: Senior executives of the National Prawn Company (NPC) and Saudi Aramco met in Al-Laith recently and reviewed possible areas of cooperation in environmental management.
The discussions resulted in an agreement that NPC would work together with Aramco experts and benefit from its experience in knowledge management and environmental care, especially with respect to the marine environment.
The meeting took place as a result of a presentation given to Aramco executives -- led by Ahmed Al-Saadi, vice president of Aramco's Pipeline, Distribution and Terminal Division -- who had gathered at NPC's site for a mid-year meeting to assess the performance of the division in the Western Province.
After the meeting, Ahmad bin Rasheed Al-Balaa of NPC delivered a presentation about the company, its views on the development of the prawn industry and plans for the future. This was followed by a discussion between executives of the two companies.
NPC is currently engaged on a huge expansion project, which when completed in a few years will cover an area of about five times the size of Bermuda and see the company's output of top quality prawns soar to over 40,000 tons per year.
On the second day, the whole delegation was escorted on a tour to see National Prawn Company's operations and the different stages of production.
The NPC is one of the world's largest fully integrated prawn farming operations. It is located on the shore of the Red Sea near Al-Laith, a fishing town south of Jeddah.
NPC sells it prawns domestically and in all major international markets including Japan, Korea, Spain, the UK and the United States.
© Arab News 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100715042301/Prawn%20farm%20seeks%20to%20benefit%20from%20Aramco%20experience
Posted by Zawya
Arab News
15 July 2010
AL-LAITH: Senior executives of the National Prawn Company (NPC) and Saudi Aramco met in Al-Laith recently and reviewed possible areas of cooperation in environmental management.
The discussions resulted in an agreement that NPC would work together with Aramco experts and benefit from its experience in knowledge management and environmental care, especially with respect to the marine environment.
The meeting took place as a result of a presentation given to Aramco executives -- led by Ahmed Al-Saadi, vice president of Aramco's Pipeline, Distribution and Terminal Division -- who had gathered at NPC's site for a mid-year meeting to assess the performance of the division in the Western Province.
After the meeting, Ahmad bin Rasheed Al-Balaa of NPC delivered a presentation about the company, its views on the development of the prawn industry and plans for the future. This was followed by a discussion between executives of the two companies.
NPC is currently engaged on a huge expansion project, which when completed in a few years will cover an area of about five times the size of Bermuda and see the company's output of top quality prawns soar to over 40,000 tons per year.
On the second day, the whole delegation was escorted on a tour to see National Prawn Company's operations and the different stages of production.
The NPC is one of the world's largest fully integrated prawn farming operations. It is located on the shore of the Red Sea near Al-Laith, a fishing town south of Jeddah.
NPC sells it prawns domestically and in all major international markets including Japan, Korea, Spain, the UK and the United States.
© Arab News 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100715042301/Prawn%20farm%20seeks%20to%20benefit%20from%20Aramco%20experience
Al Ain Dairy builds calming milking parlours
Posted by Zawya
Gulf News
Thursday, Jul 15, 2010
Camels refuse to yield milk when confronted with bright colours
Dubai In efforts to provide the most relaxing environment for their camels, Al Ain Dairy is building four new milking parlours to house 48 animals by the end of 2010.
Stoic and drooling, these long-lashed creatures are nevertheless “sensitive” and their feelings must be considered during milking.
“They have character, lots of it. People think it’s a very dumb, stupid animal. But no, absolutely, that’s a misconception,” said Al Ain Chief Operating Officer Shashi Menon.
Just short of providing pedicures, the milking parlour is designed to calm the camels. They are fed during milking, unlike cows, and their calves propelled next to them so the mothers can release milk, said Hamad Zabousi, camel farm manager at Al Ain Dairy.
Far from being a cold clinical process, the mother is encouraged to lick the calf to stimulate the milk hormone oxytocin, he said.
Camels refuse to yield milk when confronted with bright colours, Menon added. Loud noises and unfamiliar faces have to be avoided during milking.
“We just let them deal with people they are comfortable with,” he said.
Camels are tied, milked with vacuum machines, and the milk collected in sterile containers, added Zabousi.
taking it easy
By Deena Kamel Yousef?Staff Reporter
© Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidGN_14072010_150765/Al%20Ain%20Dairy%20builds%20calming%20milking%20parlours
Posted by Zawya
Gulf News
Thursday, Jul 15, 2010
Camels refuse to yield milk when confronted with bright colours
Dubai In efforts to provide the most relaxing environment for their camels, Al Ain Dairy is building four new milking parlours to house 48 animals by the end of 2010.
Stoic and drooling, these long-lashed creatures are nevertheless “sensitive” and their feelings must be considered during milking.
“They have character, lots of it. People think it’s a very dumb, stupid animal. But no, absolutely, that’s a misconception,” said Al Ain Chief Operating Officer Shashi Menon.
Just short of providing pedicures, the milking parlour is designed to calm the camels. They are fed during milking, unlike cows, and their calves propelled next to them so the mothers can release milk, said Hamad Zabousi, camel farm manager at Al Ain Dairy.
Far from being a cold clinical process, the mother is encouraged to lick the calf to stimulate the milk hormone oxytocin, he said.
Camels refuse to yield milk when confronted with bright colours, Menon added. Loud noises and unfamiliar faces have to be avoided during milking.
“We just let them deal with people they are comfortable with,” he said.
Camels are tied, milked with vacuum machines, and the milk collected in sterile containers, added Zabousi.
taking it easy
By Deena Kamel Yousef?Staff Reporter
© Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidGN_14072010_150765/Al%20Ain%20Dairy%20builds%20calming%20milking%20parlours
Al Buraimi suffers from carcass, waste pollution
Posted by Zawya
Times of Oman
15 July 2010
MUSCAT: Some waste dumps in the Sultanate are being used to throw dead animals, causing serious health hazards for people who live near them. Several residents of Khadra Al Saih in the wilayat of Al Buraimi have complained about such "misuse" of waste dumps.
Abdullah Musallam from Khadra Al Saih says, "These dumps were used earlier to throw household waste but nowadays they are being used to discard dead animals. There is no proper monitoring being done by the concerned authorities. We can also see large amounts of wastes from cow farms being thrown daily into the dumps."
He adds that, of late, the number of dead cows being thrown into the dumps have increased alarmingly. "There is a stink emanating from these dumps which is effecting the whole residential area, especially when there is wind blowing in the direction of the residential areas," he said.
Though the 'cow dump' is located on a high area, it is just about 1.8 kilometres from the residential area.
Another resident Ahmed Al Shamsi says, "Besides the stink, there is a carbonic substance emanating from one of the sanitary services here in Buraimi. This substance comes in the form of charcoal black grains and causes eye and skin allergy."
The residents have started questioning the authorities: Will concerned authorities in Buraimi governorate take the decision to get rid of this dump? And will it penalise those who throw the carcass near residential area?
Residents of Khadra Al Saih hope that the concerned authorities would help them with some action soon.
According to the website of the Directorate General of Health Affairs, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, two WHO research projects entitled 'Environmental Health Monitoring to Identify Sources of Lead Exposure and Impact on Health Status of Population' and 'Environmental Monitoring and Assessment of Potential Health Risks in Populations Near Waste Dumping Sites' have been carried out by the staff of Poison Control Centre.
The results of the lead study indicated that 6.58 per cent of children in study population of 334 (7-11 years) had blood lead values above the acceptable levels and 25 per cent of children had blood lead levels (BLL), indicating that children are being exposed to lead in the environment. Further studies are required to explore the sources of exposure in home environment, risk factors and health effects of lead exposure especially in children who are less than six years old.
Another WHO study on 'Environmental monitoring and assessment of potential health risks near waste dumping sites' was conducted, to evaluate the adverse health effects related to environmental factors amongst populations around waste dumping sites of Al Ansab and Al Amerat and the surrounding villages.
The study was done in 26 villages comprising 398 study households in two wilayats of Muscat. The total study population was 4,240. The results indicated that the respiratory problems, dermatitis, and conjunctivitis were common in the populations around Oman's waste dumping sites. The environmental factors responsible could be high air levels of sulphur dioxide and high levels of organochlorines in the soil detected in these areas.
However, further well-controlled studies, taking into account the confounding factors, are necessary to substantiate these preliminary findings.
By Fahad Al Mukrashi
© Times of Oman 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100715051535/Oman%3A%20Al%20Buraimi%20suffers%20from%20carcass%2C%20waste%20pollution%20
Posted by Zawya
Times of Oman
15 July 2010
MUSCAT: Some waste dumps in the Sultanate are being used to throw dead animals, causing serious health hazards for people who live near them. Several residents of Khadra Al Saih in the wilayat of Al Buraimi have complained about such "misuse" of waste dumps.
Abdullah Musallam from Khadra Al Saih says, "These dumps were used earlier to throw household waste but nowadays they are being used to discard dead animals. There is no proper monitoring being done by the concerned authorities. We can also see large amounts of wastes from cow farms being thrown daily into the dumps."
He adds that, of late, the number of dead cows being thrown into the dumps have increased alarmingly. "There is a stink emanating from these dumps which is effecting the whole residential area, especially when there is wind blowing in the direction of the residential areas," he said.
Though the 'cow dump' is located on a high area, it is just about 1.8 kilometres from the residential area.
Another resident Ahmed Al Shamsi says, "Besides the stink, there is a carbonic substance emanating from one of the sanitary services here in Buraimi. This substance comes in the form of charcoal black grains and causes eye and skin allergy."
The residents have started questioning the authorities: Will concerned authorities in Buraimi governorate take the decision to get rid of this dump? And will it penalise those who throw the carcass near residential area?
Residents of Khadra Al Saih hope that the concerned authorities would help them with some action soon.
According to the website of the Directorate General of Health Affairs, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, two WHO research projects entitled 'Environmental Health Monitoring to Identify Sources of Lead Exposure and Impact on Health Status of Population' and 'Environmental Monitoring and Assessment of Potential Health Risks in Populations Near Waste Dumping Sites' have been carried out by the staff of Poison Control Centre.
The results of the lead study indicated that 6.58 per cent of children in study population of 334 (7-11 years) had blood lead values above the acceptable levels and 25 per cent of children had blood lead levels (BLL), indicating that children are being exposed to lead in the environment. Further studies are required to explore the sources of exposure in home environment, risk factors and health effects of lead exposure especially in children who are less than six years old.
Another WHO study on 'Environmental monitoring and assessment of potential health risks near waste dumping sites' was conducted, to evaluate the adverse health effects related to environmental factors amongst populations around waste dumping sites of Al Ansab and Al Amerat and the surrounding villages.
The study was done in 26 villages comprising 398 study households in two wilayats of Muscat. The total study population was 4,240. The results indicated that the respiratory problems, dermatitis, and conjunctivitis were common in the populations around Oman's waste dumping sites. The environmental factors responsible could be high air levels of sulphur dioxide and high levels of organochlorines in the soil detected in these areas.
However, further well-controlled studies, taking into account the confounding factors, are necessary to substantiate these preliminary findings.
By Fahad Al Mukrashi
© Times of Oman 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100715051535/Oman%3A%20Al%20Buraimi%20suffers%20from%20carcass%2C%20waste%20pollution%20
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Saudi-Yemeni Agricultural Cooperation Lauded
Posted by Zawya
Saudi Press Agency
14 July 2010
Sana'a -- Yemeni Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Dr. Mansour Al-Hoshabi has commended the levels of cooperation and coordination existing between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, especially in the agricultural field.
In a press statement published here today, he said there has been a joint coordination between the Yemeni ministry of agriculture and relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia under agreements between the two countries with regard to agricultural exports and imports, in addition to joint programs for control of locusts , agricultural pests, and animal diseases.
© Saudi Press Agency 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100714120100/Saudi%2DYemeni%20Agricultural%20Cooperation%20Lauded
Posted by Zawya
Saudi Press Agency
14 July 2010
Sana'a -- Yemeni Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Dr. Mansour Al-Hoshabi has commended the levels of cooperation and coordination existing between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, especially in the agricultural field.
In a press statement published here today, he said there has been a joint coordination between the Yemeni ministry of agriculture and relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia under agreements between the two countries with regard to agricultural exports and imports, in addition to joint programs for control of locusts , agricultural pests, and animal diseases.
© Saudi Press Agency 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100714120100/Saudi%2DYemeni%20Agricultural%20Cooperation%20Lauded
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Projects Worth SR 700 million In Northern Borders Province
Posted by Zawya
Saudi Press Agency
13 July 2010
Arar -- The Director General of Water Department in the Northern Borders Province Eng. Afat Bin Hamdan Al-Sharari has said that water and drainage projects for this fiscal year amounted to more than SR 700 million for cities, governorates and villages of the Province.
In a press statement, he pointed out that the projects included water purification stations, reservoirs, pipelines, pumping stations, drainage systems networks and replacement of networks and reservoirs in old suburbs.
© Saudi Press Agency 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100713100907/KSA
Posted by Zawya
Saudi Press Agency
13 July 2010
Arar -- The Director General of Water Department in the Northern Borders Province Eng. Afat Bin Hamdan Al-Sharari has said that water and drainage projects for this fiscal year amounted to more than SR 700 million for cities, governorates and villages of the Province.
In a press statement, he pointed out that the projects included water purification stations, reservoirs, pipelines, pumping stations, drainage systems networks and replacement of networks and reservoirs in old suburbs.
© Saudi Press Agency 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100713100907/KSA
UAE needs a water strategy
Posted by Zawya
Gulf News
13 July 2010
The UAE needs to take action now in its agricultural sector to ensure long-term security for the national water supply. The country has no rivers, minimal rain, and it has drained most of its underground aquifers, which cannot replenish themselves to meet demand. The only source of fresh water is from desalination, which is both expensive and relies on energy. At present the UAE's desalination plants all rely on gas from the country's hydrocarbon reserves, but in the long term that resource will run out. This is why the new plans for nuclear power are so important, since the energy it generates can be used to produce more fresh water.
However, given that water is expensive to produce, it is vital that the UAE develops a strategy to treat it as the costly resource that it actually is, rather than a free commodity that people can use and waste as they wish. A shocking 76 per cent of the country's water goes on agriculture, leaving industry and domestic use a minuscule 24 per cent of the total. Irrigation is a notoriously wasteful way to handle water. Therefore, to achieve a balanced long-term strategy, the country will need to review how it manages its agriculture.
© Gulf News 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100713074942/UAE%20needs%20a%20water%20strategy
Posted by Zawya
Gulf News
13 July 2010
The UAE needs to take action now in its agricultural sector to ensure long-term security for the national water supply. The country has no rivers, minimal rain, and it has drained most of its underground aquifers, which cannot replenish themselves to meet demand. The only source of fresh water is from desalination, which is both expensive and relies on energy. At present the UAE's desalination plants all rely on gas from the country's hydrocarbon reserves, but in the long term that resource will run out. This is why the new plans for nuclear power are so important, since the energy it generates can be used to produce more fresh water.
However, given that water is expensive to produce, it is vital that the UAE develops a strategy to treat it as the costly resource that it actually is, rather than a free commodity that people can use and waste as they wish. A shocking 76 per cent of the country's water goes on agriculture, leaving industry and domestic use a minuscule 24 per cent of the total. Irrigation is a notoriously wasteful way to handle water. Therefore, to achieve a balanced long-term strategy, the country will need to review how it manages its agriculture.
© Gulf News 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100713074942/UAE%20needs%20a%20water%20strategy
Monday, July 12, 2010
IFAD to support marketing agricultural products
Posted by Zawya
Yemen Observer
11 July 2010
Chairman of Agricultural Cooperation Union Mohammed Bashir held a meeting on Sunday with the representative if International Fund for Agricultural Development Fathiah Bahran over problems of marketing agricultural products.
They also discussed problems facing process of marketing agricultural products and activities of the union to serve agricultural development in the country.
He valued role of the IFAD to support agricultural sector in Yemen to insure the food security.
By Observer Staff
© Yemen Observer 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100711072344/IFAD%20to%20support%20marketing%20agricultural%20products
Posted by Zawya
Yemen Observer
11 July 2010
Chairman of Agricultural Cooperation Union Mohammed Bashir held a meeting on Sunday with the representative if International Fund for Agricultural Development Fathiah Bahran over problems of marketing agricultural products.
They also discussed problems facing process of marketing agricultural products and activities of the union to serve agricultural development in the country.
He valued role of the IFAD to support agricultural sector in Yemen to insure the food security.
By Observer Staff
© Yemen Observer 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100711072344/IFAD%20to%20support%20marketing%20agricultural%20products
Bahrain: Shrimp ban to be lifted on Thursday
Posted by Zawya
Bahrain Tribune
12 July 2010
Fishermen will be allowed to catch shrimps from Thursday. This was revealed by Jassim Al Qaseer, head of fish stock administration at the Public Commission For Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife yesterday.
Al Qaseer said in a statement to Al Ayam that 350 authorised licenses have been issued for catching shrimps, of which 250 were set for dhows and 100 for boats. "Several fishermen who violated the shrimp ban have been arrested by the coast guard. Action will be taken against those violators," he said. Al Qaseer pointed out that the ban period extended to four months. He explained that the ban is aimed at preserving shrimps and to help replenish diminishing stocks.
© Bahrain Tribune 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100712055549/Shrimp%20ban%20to%20be%20lifted%20on%20Thursday%20in%20Bahrain
Posted by Zawya
Bahrain Tribune
12 July 2010
Fishermen will be allowed to catch shrimps from Thursday. This was revealed by Jassim Al Qaseer, head of fish stock administration at the Public Commission For Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife yesterday.
Al Qaseer said in a statement to Al Ayam that 350 authorised licenses have been issued for catching shrimps, of which 250 were set for dhows and 100 for boats. "Several fishermen who violated the shrimp ban have been arrested by the coast guard. Action will be taken against those violators," he said. Al Qaseer pointed out that the ban period extended to four months. He explained that the ban is aimed at preserving shrimps and to help replenish diminishing stocks.
© Bahrain Tribune 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100712055549/Shrimp%20ban%20to%20be%20lifted%20on%20Thursday%20in%20Bahrain
Iraq: Agriculture Ministry to stop importing chickens, egg
Posted by Zawya
Aswat Aliraq
11 July 2010
BAGHDAD: The Iraqi Agriculture Ministry has decided to stop importing frozen chickens and table egg after this year's holy month of Ramadan.
"The ministry has put a time schedule for this process," the ministry said in a release on Sunday as received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency.
It said that the decision aims at making Iraqi market less dependent on imported chickens and egg.
"The ministry is serious in implementing this decision," it added.
© Aswat Aliraq 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100712045440/Iraq%27s%20Agriculture%20Ministry%20to%20stop%20importing%20chickens%2C%20egg
Posted by Zawya
Aswat Aliraq
11 July 2010
BAGHDAD: The Iraqi Agriculture Ministry has decided to stop importing frozen chickens and table egg after this year's holy month of Ramadan.
"The ministry has put a time schedule for this process," the ministry said in a release on Sunday as received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency.
It said that the decision aims at making Iraqi market less dependent on imported chickens and egg.
"The ministry is serious in implementing this decision," it added.
© Aswat Aliraq 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100712045440/Iraq%27s%20Agriculture%20Ministry%20to%20stop%20importing%20chickens%2C%20egg
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saudi Fertilizers Q2 net profit rises 89%
Posted by EnergyDigger.com
Sunday, 11 July 2010 01:25:18 CDT
AME - Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabian Fertilizers Co has said its second quarter net profit rose 89% due to the sale of land, while growth in operating margins narrowed from the first quarter, Reuters has reported. Safco, which produces urea and ammonia, made a net profit of SR907m in the three months to end-June, compared to SR480m in the same period a year-earlier. "The increase in second-quarter... stemmed from the increase in global prices and the revenue realised from the sale of land," Safco said in a statement.
News Link: http://www.energydigger.com/archives/article.asp?id=1278830000-0811
Posted by EnergyDigger.com
Sunday, 11 July 2010 01:25:18 CDT
AME - Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabian Fertilizers Co has said its second quarter net profit rose 89% due to the sale of land, while growth in operating margins narrowed from the first quarter, Reuters has reported. Safco, which produces urea and ammonia, made a net profit of SR907m in the three months to end-June, compared to SR480m in the same period a year-earlier. "The increase in second-quarter... stemmed from the increase in global prices and the revenue realised from the sale of land," Safco said in a statement.
News Link: http://www.energydigger.com/archives/article.asp?id=1278830000-0811
Authority set up for planting 1 million date palm saplings
Posted by Zawya
Oman Daily Observer
11 July 2010
MUSCAT -- An Authority for One Million Date Palm Plantation Programme has been established which will be responsible for the implementation of the project.
In comments to the Observer, Shaikh Salim bin Hilal al Khalili, Minister of Agriculture, said the basic study on soil, water availability and pocket identification is being completed as this initial mapping is important.
Pre-planning is nearing completion so that with technical consultant expertise and co-ordination, programme will be launched very soon to start plantations, he added.
The date palm plantation programme assumes priority because His Majesty Sultan Qaboos issued Royal directives last year to plant one million date palm trees during his meet-the-people tour in the Wilayat of Ibri.
Following the Royal directives, a landmark symposium on 'Sustainable Development of Agricultural Sector' was also held at the Royal Camp at Saih al Masarat in Ibri to discuss agricultural issues.
During this visit, His Majesty the Sultan stressed that everyone should pay attention to agriculture.
His Majesty issued Royal directives to plant one million date palm trees in view of the fact that these trees had been the backbone of food security in Oman alongside other plantations, animal wealth and fisheries.
The Sultanate is keen to promote its palm tree heritage particularly following the Royal directives.
The date palm tree has a significant presence in the Omani society and it is valued for its social, religious and agricultural value. The tree parts are used for food, shelter, clothing, and fuel. Handicrafts, such as ropes and mats are woven from the branches of the tree, while the bark is very useful as a building material.
By Hasan Kamoonpuri
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100711044100/Oman%27s%20Authority%20set%20up%20for%20planting%201%20million%20date%20palm%20saplings
Posted by Zawya
Oman Daily Observer
11 July 2010
MUSCAT -- An Authority for One Million Date Palm Plantation Programme has been established which will be responsible for the implementation of the project.
In comments to the Observer, Shaikh Salim bin Hilal al Khalili, Minister of Agriculture, said the basic study on soil, water availability and pocket identification is being completed as this initial mapping is important.
Pre-planning is nearing completion so that with technical consultant expertise and co-ordination, programme will be launched very soon to start plantations, he added.
The date palm plantation programme assumes priority because His Majesty Sultan Qaboos issued Royal directives last year to plant one million date palm trees during his meet-the-people tour in the Wilayat of Ibri.
Following the Royal directives, a landmark symposium on 'Sustainable Development of Agricultural Sector' was also held at the Royal Camp at Saih al Masarat in Ibri to discuss agricultural issues.
During this visit, His Majesty the Sultan stressed that everyone should pay attention to agriculture.
His Majesty issued Royal directives to plant one million date palm trees in view of the fact that these trees had been the backbone of food security in Oman alongside other plantations, animal wealth and fisheries.
The Sultanate is keen to promote its palm tree heritage particularly following the Royal directives.
The date palm tree has a significant presence in the Omani society and it is valued for its social, religious and agricultural value. The tree parts are used for food, shelter, clothing, and fuel. Handicrafts, such as ropes and mats are woven from the branches of the tree, while the bark is very useful as a building material.
By Hasan Kamoonpuri
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100711044100/Oman%27s%20Authority%20set%20up%20for%20planting%201%20million%20date%20palm%20saplings
Saturday, July 10, 2010
UAE lifts import ban on living cows from Netherlands, France and Germany
Posted by Zawya
WAM (Emirates News Agency)
Dubai, 8th July 2010 (WAM) -- The UAE has lifted a ban on import of living cows from Netherlands, France and Germany following a recommendation from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on import of living cows from countries or regions recognised as having a controlled Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease risk.
Issued by H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water,the resolution was also based on recommendations issued by the 21st meeting of the GCC agricultural committee held in Kuwait which called for allowing entry of cows from the three European countries provided that all import shipments be subjectedto veterinary quarantine laws prevailing in the UAE.The resolution spells out a set of conditions for import of these animals from the said countries.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20100708105018053
Posted by Zawya
WAM (Emirates News Agency)
Dubai, 8th July 2010 (WAM) -- The UAE has lifted a ban on import of living cows from Netherlands, France and Germany following a recommendation from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on import of living cows from countries or regions recognised as having a controlled Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease risk.
Issued by H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water,the resolution was also based on recommendations issued by the 21st meeting of the GCC agricultural committee held in Kuwait which called for allowing entry of cows from the three European countries provided that all import shipments be subjectedto veterinary quarantine laws prevailing in the UAE.The resolution spells out a set of conditions for import of these animals from the said countries.
© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20100708105018053
Qatar: Panel on prices to be set up soon
Posted by Zawya
The Peninsula
07 July 2010
DOHA: Concerned over rising prices, the Ministry of Business and Trade is to soon set up a committee that would conduct extensive studies of price trends and fix maximum prices of some commodities, if necessary.
The proposed committee, to be set up vide a ministerial decision, is to have members from the public health and municipal ministries as well, besides some experts.
The State Cabinet gave the go-ahead in September last year for a committee that would have the authority to conduct studies on price rise and fix maximum price slabs in respect of commodities and services that, according to it, need such a measure.
Sheikh Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, head of the Consumer Protection Department of the trade ministry, told Qatar News Agency the proposed panel would be formed soon and would act swiftly if it found that the prices of some commodities and services were unjustifiably high.
© The Peninsula 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100707054353/Panel%20on%20prices%20to%20be%20set%20up%20soon%20in%20Qatar
Posted by Zawya
The Peninsula
07 July 2010
DOHA: Concerned over rising prices, the Ministry of Business and Trade is to soon set up a committee that would conduct extensive studies of price trends and fix maximum prices of some commodities, if necessary.
The proposed committee, to be set up vide a ministerial decision, is to have members from the public health and municipal ministries as well, besides some experts.
The State Cabinet gave the go-ahead in September last year for a committee that would have the authority to conduct studies on price rise and fix maximum price slabs in respect of commodities and services that, according to it, need such a measure.
Sheikh Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, head of the Consumer Protection Department of the trade ministry, told Qatar News Agency the proposed panel would be formed soon and would act swiftly if it found that the prices of some commodities and services were unjustifiably high.
© The Peninsula 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100707054353/Panel%20on%20prices%20to%20be%20set%20up%20soon%20in%20Qatar
Sudan mega-project hits new snag
Posted by Zawya
Jordan Times
07 July 2010
AMMAN - The Kingdom's long-awaited agricultural mega-project in Sudan is facing further delays due to a dispute raised by the foreign investment company over the implementation mechanism, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Discussions between the ministry and a group of prospective investors in the mega-project are at a standstill after the investors insisted on owning the lands allocated by the Sudanese government for the project, Agriculture Minister Saeed Masri told The Jordan Times on Monday.
"The company expressed a desire to own the lands of the project to secure more insurance in the future. Under the agreement signed between Jordan and Sudan, this is not possible. However, the investors can have a long-term lease of up to 30 years," Masri said, adding that he will invite the company for a meeting in the coming few weeks in order to put their concerns to rest with regards to the feasibility of the project.
The project started in 1998 when Jordan signed a 70-year agricultural protocol with the Sudanese government, entitling the Kingdom to utilise 250,000 dunums of highly fertile land on the banks of the Nile.
Under the agreement, Jordan was entitled to grow essential cereals and other crops, including animal fodder, and to rear livestock. But the project was shelved and Khartoum set 2009 as a deadline for Jordan to make up its mind to either start implementing the project or risk losing the allocated land.
The plot, meanwhile, continued to shrink as financial difficulties prevented the government from implementing the project.
Earlier this year, a joint Arab-foreign company based in the Philippines approached the government regarding their interest in partnering in the Sudan project.
If hired, the company, which has experience in tropical crops, would oversee the cultivation process, while the ministry will be responsible for providing guidance and training.
Due to financial constraints, Masri said in February that the government had no funds for the project, which is expected to require around JD50 million, and noted that the estimated cost of transporting water for irrigation purposes to the now 80,000-dunum project stands at JD18-JD20 million.
Once both sides come to a common ground, the government plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the investors under which the government will buy the project's produce at a cost 10 per cent below international market prices.
By Hani Hazaimeh
© Jordan Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100707050150/Sudan%20mega%2Dproject%20hits%20new%20snag
Posted by Zawya
Jordan Times
07 July 2010
AMMAN - The Kingdom's long-awaited agricultural mega-project in Sudan is facing further delays due to a dispute raised by the foreign investment company over the implementation mechanism, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Discussions between the ministry and a group of prospective investors in the mega-project are at a standstill after the investors insisted on owning the lands allocated by the Sudanese government for the project, Agriculture Minister Saeed Masri told The Jordan Times on Monday.
"The company expressed a desire to own the lands of the project to secure more insurance in the future. Under the agreement signed between Jordan and Sudan, this is not possible. However, the investors can have a long-term lease of up to 30 years," Masri said, adding that he will invite the company for a meeting in the coming few weeks in order to put their concerns to rest with regards to the feasibility of the project.
The project started in 1998 when Jordan signed a 70-year agricultural protocol with the Sudanese government, entitling the Kingdom to utilise 250,000 dunums of highly fertile land on the banks of the Nile.
Under the agreement, Jordan was entitled to grow essential cereals and other crops, including animal fodder, and to rear livestock. But the project was shelved and Khartoum set 2009 as a deadline for Jordan to make up its mind to either start implementing the project or risk losing the allocated land.
The plot, meanwhile, continued to shrink as financial difficulties prevented the government from implementing the project.
Earlier this year, a joint Arab-foreign company based in the Philippines approached the government regarding their interest in partnering in the Sudan project.
If hired, the company, which has experience in tropical crops, would oversee the cultivation process, while the ministry will be responsible for providing guidance and training.
Due to financial constraints, Masri said in February that the government had no funds for the project, which is expected to require around JD50 million, and noted that the estimated cost of transporting water for irrigation purposes to the now 80,000-dunum project stands at JD18-JD20 million.
Once both sides come to a common ground, the government plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the investors under which the government will buy the project's produce at a cost 10 per cent below international market prices.
By Hani Hazaimeh
© Jordan Times 2010
News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100707050150/Sudan%20mega%2Dproject%20hits%20new%20snag
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