Before approving grazing sites, listen to breeders

Grazing areas and associations of sheep and camel owners are an integral part of Kuwait’s heritage and form a crucial foundation for supporting the country’s livestock sector. Therefore, any new regulation of these areas must take into account the requirements and realistic circumstances of breeders, and be based on field studies involving relevant authorities and experts. Several breeders have expressed reservations about the recent regulations issued by the Public Authority for Food and Agriculture (PAFA), noting that some designated sites do not suit the nature of grazing or their daily needs, necessitating a review before final approval. Involving sheep and camel breeders in the process of selecting suitable sites would lead to more practical and easier-to-implement decisions, as they are better acquainted with land conditions, grazing practices, and the genuine requirements of this profession. Moreover, coordination between PAFA and breeders would yield better outcomes and reduce potential problems in the future. Undoubtedly, there is no dispute regarding the importance of avoiding military and security zones and adhering to all safety and security requirements; however, this must be accompanied by the provision of suitable sites that fulfill the purpose of grazing and ensure the sustainability of this vital activity. The current stage calls for opening channels of dialogue and re-examining the sites and models announced, to achieve a regulatory framework that serves the public interest, safeguards breeders’ rights, and enhances cooperation between PAFA and livestock owners, thereby benefiting Kuwait’s livestock sector. Encouraging livestock owners at this stage and meeting their requirements is essential to achieving the highest possible level of self-sufficiency and food security in the exceptional circumstances currently facing Kuwait, which necessitate issuing decisions that favor livestock owners and, consequently, benefit consumers.