SAUDI ARABIA – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is advocating for heightened awareness and responsible consumption practices in a bid to combat the alarming rate of vegetable waste in the country.
The magnitude of the problem became apparent as the ministry disclosed staggering statistics: Saudi Arabia annually discards over 234,000 tons of tomatoes, 201,000 tons of potatoes, along with substantial quantities of onions, cucumbers, and zucchinis, culminating in a total of more than 335,000 tons of wasted vegetables.
This rampant wastage poses a significant challenge to the agricultural sector, necessitating urgent action.
Highlighting the urgency of preserving food resources, the ministry stresses the imperative of cultivating a culture of responsible consumption and waste reduction.
Efforts to promote efficient use and storage of vegetables are deemed crucial not only for curbing losses but also for fostering agricultural sustainability.
“The magnitude of vegetable waste in Saudi Arabia calls for immediate attention and concerted action,” remarked a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
“It is imperative that citizens and residents alike adopt practices that ensure the judicious utilization and storage of vegetables to mitigate losses and contribute to a more sustainable food system.”
These initiatives underscore the ministry’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the national economy, safeguarding the environment, and fostering a sustainable future.
By championing responsible consumption behaviors, the ministry aims to engender a collective consciousness towards combating food waste.
Ministry urges conscious consumption during Ramadan to mitigate waste
Against the backdrop of the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is intensifying efforts to promote mindful consumption practices and curb food wastage, emphasizing the need for sustainable food systems.
Recognizing Ramadan as a period marked by heightened food consumption, the ministry emphasizes the importance of curtailing extravagance to minimize waste.
Rice, flour, bread, and dates, traditional staples during Ramadan, are identified as the most consumed yet wasted items during this period.
Data from the ministry reveals alarming wastage rates, with rice leading at 34%, followed closely by flour and bread at 30%.
The Kingdom sees an annual waste of 15 kilograms of bread per individual, highlighting the severity of the issue.
To address this concerning trend, the ministry has outlined key strategies to raise awareness and mitigate food waste.
These include prudent purchasing practices, avoiding overcooking, and employing suitable preservation methods for surplus food.
“During Ramadan, it is imperative for individuals to exercise restraint and mindfulness in their consumption habits,” emphasized a ministry representative.
“By adhering to basic principles of responsible consumption and waste reduction, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future for all.”
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