The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa) has held a workshop on protecting palm trees from plant pests, bringing together a number of relevant bodies under the title "Unifying Efforts and Strengthening Integration Between Entities in Protecting Palm Trees from Plant Pests."

The workshop aimed to align the work of the agencies involved in the palm and date sector, consolidate institutional integration in pest prevention and control, and explore ways to improve coordination, with the goal of raising the efficiency of prevention work and supporting the sector's sustainability in the Kingdom.

Participants reviewed the importance of palms and dates to Saudi Arabia's national economy and food security, were introduced to the roles of the participating entities, and discussed how sharing expertise can reduce the risks pests pose to agricultural production.

Weqaa presented its role in protecting palms and dates and its work to develop the prevention and control system. A proposal for a model of integration between the public and private sectors was also reviewed, aimed at improving institutional coordination and making responsibilities complementary.

An open discussion session with representatives of the entities examined opportunities to expand cooperation and develop joint mechanisms for preventing and controlling palm pests. The workshop closed with a set of recommendations to unify efforts and integrate roles.

The event is part of Weqaa's wider drive to build partnerships, develop its plant pest prevention system, protect plant resources and support the sustainability of agriculture in the Kingdom.