The Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources Department in Al-Mudhaibi has initiated an integrated pest management program aimed at improving pest control practices within the region’s agricultural sector. The program, launched in 2026 in coordination with the Al-Mudhaibi Municipality and the Al-Waif Team, seeks to engage local farmers and stakeholders in adopting safer and more sustainable pest management techniques.
Engineer Mohammed bin Harib Al-Bahlain, Director of the Agricultural Wealth Department, highlighted that the initiative centers on raising awareness about integrated pest management (IPM) principles. The approach emphasizes the use of preventive biological and mechanical methods to protect crops while minimizing environmental impact and reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. Educational meetings have been held to introduce farmers to the concept and benefits of IPM, encouraging cooperation among the agricultural community.
An integral component of the program was a workshop dedicated to combating the Fruit Fly pest, led by Dr. Qais bin Saif Al-Maweel, Director of the Agricultural Development Department. The sessions focused on pest identification, control techniques, and management strategies to safeguard crops from infestation. Dr. Al-Maweel underscored the necessity of joint efforts between authorities and farmers to effectively tackle pest-related challenges.
In addition to training, a field campaign was conducted to clean farms by removing agricultural waste and potential pest breeding sites. This initiative aimed to enhance biosecurity by preventing the spread of insects and diseases that threaten crop production. The campaign also included efforts to educate farmers on maintaining farm hygiene and implementing preventive measures to control pest populations.
The integrated pest management program in Al-Mudhaibi is part of a broader effort to support sustainable agricultural development within the wilayat. By promoting community partnerships and environmentally friendly practices, the initiative seeks to protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural productivity.