المملكة: The “Livestock and Fisheries Resources” meeting discusses the localization of a Saudi poultry breed

On Wednesday, the Board of Directors of the National Program for the Development of the Livestock and Fisheries Sector held its nineteenth meeting, headed by the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Program, Eng. Abdul Rahman Al-Fadhli, and the presence of council members, representatives of government agencies and the private sector.
The Council reviewed the topics on its agenda, including completing the procedures for transferring the program’s centers of excellence to implement the genetic improvement plan for sheep and goats, and reviewing its targets within the agriculture strategy and the national biotechnology strategy.
The Council approved the strategic directions of the program, the organizational structure, and the executive plan to work on the nationalization of a Saudi poultry breed.
In addition to reviewing the program’s annual report for the previous two years.

Genetic improvement of sheep and goats

The meeting discussed its previous directives and what happened regarding them, including organizing a visit to international expertise houses in Cyprus to learn about their experiences in genetic improvement of sheep and goats.
And learn about the latest technologies and experiences with the participation of a number of specialized Saudi companies, businessmen and investors in the sector.

In addition to discussing enhancing the financial sustainability of the program to achieve the expected economic impact in coordination with the relevant authorities.
The Council reviewed one of the program’s achievements in developing the pseudotuberculosis and Morel vaccine, which was achieved during the past months, with the aim of localizing vaccines and enhancing the sustainability of livestock.

Enhancing integrated manufacturing capabilities

The directions of the National Committee for Biotechnology related to vaccines were also discussed, and the program’s efforts to enhance integrated manufacturing capabilities and support research and development in innovative vaccine technologies.
And building comprehensive capabilities in the field of laboratory technology manufacturing in cooperation with leading global entities.
It is noteworthy that the National Program for the Development of the Livestock and Fisheries Sector is working rapidly to develop the livestock and fisheries sector in the Kingdom, to achieve sustainable food security and economic growth in accordance with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.