Weqaa Center Hosts Forum on Plant Health, Sustainability of Palm Tree

The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa) organized a forum on plant health yesterday in Buraidah, focusing on the wealth and sustainable management of palm trees.

The forum aims to promote a sustainable future for the palm tree sector, recognizing it as a key pillar in achieving food security and supporting the national economy, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Participants discussed a range of key topics, including integrated management of palm tree pests, post-harvest handling and storage pest control, challenges and opportunities in combating the red palm weevil, and the latest technologies in diagnosis, prevention, and control.

Several agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed to advance laboratory diagnostics and strengthen collaboration with the private sector.

Additionally, a scientific exhibition was held alongside the forum, showcasing research posters and technical innovations in the field of plant health.

The organization of this forum is part of Weqaa’s ongoing efforts to protect national agricultural resources and promote the sustainability of the palm and date sector in the Kingdom.