Weqaa launches awareness campaign to promote integrated pest management

The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Control (Weqaa) in Saudi Arabia has initiated an awareness campaign called Taraaha Asah to promote integrated pest management among farmers and the wider community. The campaign's primary objective is to enhance agricultural practices, protect crops, improve production quality, and ensure the sustainability of the sector while minimizing the use of improper methods.

Taraaha Asah focuses on educating farmers, sector workers, partners, relevant authorities, and the general public about the importance of integrated pest management. The campaign highlights key aspects of this approach, such as early monitoring, accurate diagnosis, seeking technical advice, and selecting appropriate control measures based on crop and pest conditions.

To effectively communicate the message, Weqaa has developed a variety of media and educational materials, including visual and audio content, digital materials, press releases, simplified messages, and field activities. These resources aim to make the information accessible to farmers and field workers, thereby enhancing their practical understanding of integrated pest management.

One crucial point emphasized by the campaign is that pest management is not solely about chemical control. Instead, it begins with visual inspection, regular monitoring, and accurate pest identification, taking into account factors such as optimal planting times and continuous plant observation. The campaign stresses that every decision made on the farm directly impacts crop yield and food security.

Therefore, the best decisions are those made based on accurate information, inspection, consultation, and the selection of the most suitable action.

In essence, Taraaha Asah promotes integrated pest management as a sustainable approach that combines agricultural, biological, and mechanical methods. By keeping pest populations below economic damage thresholds and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, this approach prioritizes the health of people and the environment.