Dhamar:A meeting convened in the Agriculture Sector of Dhamar governorate, led by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, Ali Hazza, addressed the enhancement of community partnership and the activation of agricultural cooperatives to achieve sustainable development.
According to Yemen News Agency, the meeting was attended by key figures including Ministry Irrigation Advisor Eng. Mohammed Al-Wosabi, Director of the National Irrigation Program Eng. Mu'een Al-Ajhar, Value Chains Officer Eng. Hilal Al-Jashari, Deputy Head of the Governorate's Agriculture Sector Eng. Hafedh Al-Junaid, and various department and division directors. The discussions focused on aligning efforts between official entities and local communities.
Undersecretary Hazza emphasized the significance of strengthening partnerships between government bodies and local communities, and the importance of activating agricultural cooperative societies. This activation is aimed at leading development work, preserving water resources, organizing irrigation operations, advancing the agricultural sector, and investing local capabilities to achieve self-sufficiency.
He highlighted the need for a unified team approach to reduce qat cultivation by providing viable alternatives. This includes incentives for replacing qat trees with grains, fruits, and coffee. Hazza also directed the preparation of a plan to enhance the role of cooperatives in rationalizing water consumption, controlling random well drilling, and preserving water resources.
Hazza noted the successful experiences in governorates like Hodeidah, where model agricultural cooperatives have significantly influenced community work and official efforts. He described these cooperatives as replicable models for other regions. Additionally, he stressed the historical significance of community participation in Yemeni society, which has contributed to sustainable development through cooperative societies.
Furthermore, Hazza called for the activation of agricultural cooperatives across Dhamar's districts and their transformation into model societies that address sector challenges, such as water resource management and strategic crop cultivation. He mentioned efforts by the Land Reclamation Sector to enhance the technical and institutional capacities of cooperatives, including specialized units for irrigation and land reclamation.
The Undersecretary urged stronger coordination between agriculture and water resources sectors and cooperative societies to ensure integrated efforts and maximize resources. He also highlighted the potential of Dhamar's agricultural and water assets to expand grain and strategic crop production, reduce import dependency, and strengthen food security.
Ministry's Irrigation Advisor Eng. Al-Wosabi pointed out Dhamar's agricultural potential and the expected role of agriculture sector personnel and cooperative societies in achieving self-sufficiency in cash crops. Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Governorate's Agriculture Sector Eng. Al-Junaid reviewed ongoing projects related to dams, water barriers, and rainwater harvesting, contributing significantly to community initiatives at a cost of 1.5 billion Yemeni riyals.
