Hodeidah: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, along with the local authority in Al-Hodeida Governorate, initiated a new project today to distribute 22 sieves and 20 seeders, all locally manufactured, to multi-purpose cooperative associations across various districts of the governorate.
According to Yemen News Agency, the project is being implemented through Sohool Al-Yemen Company for Agricultural and Fisheries Development and Investment, in collaboration with local community manufacturing and the General Corporation for Grain Development and Production. It is funded by the Unit for Financing Agricultural and Fisheries Initiatives and Projects in the governorate. This initiative aims to support agricultural production, enhance seed quality, boost farming efficiency, and cut production costs.
Deputy Governor for Services Affairs, Mohammed Halisi, highlighted the project's significance in bolstering the agricultural sector and improving services provided to farmers. He noted that the provision of seed screening equipment and mechanical seeders to cooperative associations would enhance their capacity to serve production areas more efficiently.
Halisi further explained the necessity of directing initiatives towards the actual needs of farmers, by providing equipment that aids in improving production and reducing input costs. He stressed the importance of encouraging local manufacturing of agricultural equipment and machinery.
Mohammed Yahya, Chairman of Sohool Al-Yemen Company, stated that the distribution of sieves and seeders aligns with the company's approach to support vertical expansion in agricultural production. This is achieved by improving seed quality and increasing the efficiency of their use in the fields.
Yahya pointed out that sieving helps in sorting seeds to select the highest quality grains, while seeders assist in organizing the planting process by distributing seeds at specified distances and quantities. This leads to better seed utilization and reduced wastage.
He also emphasized the benefits of local manufacturing, which provides equipment at a lower cost compared to imports, thus fostering local production of agricultural equipment tailored to farmers' needs.
Yahya Al-Wada'i, Director of the Unit for Financing Agricultural and Fisheries Projects, explained that the unit funded the project as part of its efforts to support cooperative associations. This initiative aims to provide practical solutions for farms, aiding in the development of the agricultural process.
The Grain Chain Officer, Shamsan Al-Muniri, highlighted that the sieves are intended to improve seed quality, increase productivity per unit area, and reduce losses by eliminating inferior seeds. He noted that field experiments in seed sieving have shown potential productivity increases by 30 percent.
Al-Muniri also explained that the seeders offer a precise means of seed distribution within fields, helping regulate plant density and optimize seed use. The project includes training for cooperative association workers to efficiently operate the seeders.
The equipment distribution is part of an integrated approach to enhance seed quality, increase productivity, reduce losses, and support local manufacturing, while strengthening the role of cooperative associations in providing essential agricultural services to farmers.