Al-hodeidah: Al-Sukhna Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative Association in Al-Hodeidah Governorate received the first batch of the community marketing project for local poultry, comprising 2,000 chickens, provided by 'Khayrat Biladi' Association as part of the White Loans Program. The initiative aims to support local production and economically empower rural families.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Secretary-General of the Agricultural Cooperative Union, Mohammed Al-Qahoum, stated that this batch represents the initial nucleus for expanding local poultry breeding within the association, intending to replace imported products with locally produced alternatives. This effort aligns with broader strategies to reduce the import bill and enhance food security.
Al-Qahoum highlighted that the empowerment program will continue regularly, with 'Khayrat Biladi' Association prepared to supply new batches every 14 days. These will be distributed to other cooperative associations in coordination with the Union and relevant authorities, ensuring broader benefits and the initiative's success.
He urged various agricultural cooperative associations to enhance coordination to capitalize on the White Loans Program, asserting that the next phase will witness expansion in production and community marketing. This would help transform needy families into productive households, capable of supplying local markets with poultry and improving their living standards.
District Director Mohammed Aqari emphasized that the project embodies solidarity and economic empowerment principles. Poultry are granted to farmers and breeders as an interest-free loan through the association, to be repaid later from production to ensure the project's sustainability and expand the circle of beneficiaries.
Chairman of Al-Sukhna Association Mohammed Maafa and District Coordinator Majed Al-Ahdal remarked that the project aligns with efforts to promote self-sufficiency and encourage rural families to expand local poultry production. They noted the positive impact on market supply and reduced reliance on imports, praising the Agricultural Cooperative Union's efforts in overcoming farmers' challenges.
Following the handover, Al-Qahoum and attendees inspected the association's local organic fertilizer collection site. They stressed the importance of utilizing animal waste to produce natural fertilizers, enhancing soil fertility, reducing production costs, and strengthening integration between the livestock and crop sectors within agricultural communities.