Bajil: Bajil Directorate in Hodeida governorate is undergoing a vast development transformation, reflecting a comprehensive vision for advancing the agricultural and animal sectors and building an effective marketing system. This effort is part of the "Model Directorates" program, which aims to boost local production, achieve self-sufficiency, and establish a practical model for partnership between the state and the community.
According to Yemen News Agency, Bajil is one of the most important model directorates in the Tihama Plain, selected as part of a program covering 56 directorates nationwide, with 17 chosen in Tihama based on precise criteria including the availability of fertile land, water resources, effective cooperative societies, and competent local leadership capable of managing developmental change. This initiative is rooted in a national vision launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources to develop 44 crops within value chains.
Bajil Directorate, located 55 km northeast of Hodeida city, serves as the main gateway to the governorate. It covers 1,653.3 square kilometers with a population of 287,653. It is rich in fertile lands for cultivating cotton, vegetables, fruits, and grains, in addition to livestock wealth and honey production. The directorate also boasts a natural coastline in al-Arj area, contributing to tourism and fishing activities. Bajil plays a crucial role in commercial activity, serving as a transit hub for trucks and goods from Hodeida Port to other governorates.
The directorate has witnessed quality projects that contributed to organizing farmers, reclaiming land, developing crop production, and activating domestic marketing initiatives. Over 750 productive groups have been formed, working across 22 crop, fish, and animal varieties. The Bajil Agricultural Cooperative Society has been pivotal in reclaiming agricultural land, particularly in the Bab Al-Naqah area, and has introduced new crop varieties and improved seeds to enhance productivity.
In the livestock sector, a new production line for dairy products has been launched, creating job opportunities and supporting small-scale breeders. The "Khayrat Bajil" domestic marketing initiative has expanded, improving farmers' income and stabilizing production. Additionally, infrastructure projects like the "Kilo 18" Central Market have been established to support commercial and agricultural activities.
Directorate Manager Abdulmoneim Al-Rifa'i emphasized that these developments are part of an agricultural revolution in the Tihama Plain, consistent with state directives for achieving self-sufficiency in crops and animal products. The local authority is preparing plans to deepen partnerships with farmers and expand interventions in production, solidifying Bajil's position as a leading development model in Tihama.
Through this integrated mobilization, Bajil Directorate is establishing itself as a key center for advanced agricultural production, contributing to a sustainable economic and agricultural future for its people and serving the national economy.