Latest news with #PublicAuthorityforAgricultureAffairsandFishResources
Arab Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
New Regulations Announced for Building on Agricultural Land in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, July 3: Minister of State for Municipal and Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Mishari on Wednesday issued a ministerial decision on regulating construction work and the attached schedules related to Table No. 13, stating the requirements and specifications for buildings in agricultural and livestock development areas. The newspaper obtained a copy of the decision, which sets the permitted building percentages in the agricultural areas (Wafra, Abdali, and Sulaibiya) at 10 percent of the size of the plot, with a maximum of 10,000 square meters. This includes residential buildings and family rest houses for the plot owner, with a total building area not exceeding 1,000 square meters, as well as workers' housing and guard rooms with an area not exceeding 2,000 square meters. Furthermore, all buildings must be one-storey and made of lightweight materials or reinforced concrete. Residential and family rest houses may only be built on two floors (ground and first), with a maximum height of nine meters. The resolution stipulates that the setback for buildings must not be less than five meters on all sides of the boundaries of the plot, except for the designated area for garbage containers and the guard room and its facilities, which may be attached to one of the facades. Regarding the building percentages for dairy farms, the decision stipulates that varying building percentages of the plot area are permitted. Five percent of the plot area is allocated for concentrated and bulk feed stores and a feed grinding unit, one percent for a repair shop and spare parts warehouse, three percent for a building for automated milking machines and their accessories, and 10 percent for workers' housing and administrative buildings. A veterinary clinic and family housing for the plot owner may be built within the plot, provided that the total family housing area does not exceed 1,000 square meters. Buildings must be one-storey, with a maximum building height not exceeding five meters; while the maximum height for barns and related buildings, such as workshops and warehouses, is 10 meters. The decision sets the permissible building percentage for purebred Arabian horse breeding plots at 15 percent, distributed among administrative buildings, workers' housing, an electrical room, a security room, a rest area not exceeding 200 square meters, and a horse showroom with an area not exceeding 500 square meters, which is included in the total building percentage. All buildings shall be one-storey, with the height not exceeding five meters for the administrative buildings, workers' housing, security rooms, and rest areas; not exceeding seven meters for the horse showroom, stables, and feed store; and not exceeding four meters for the circular horse trough. Regarding the plots for livestock production projects in Kabad, Jahra and Wafra allocated by the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) for raising cows, livestock and camels; the decision specified the permissible building percentages for residential buildings, warehouses, the veterinary room, the guard room, and their services, at a total of 16 percent of the plot area, with a maximum of 300 square meters. The remaining vacant area of the plot is to be used for the purpose for which the plot is designated. Construction is prohibited. Only shelters for animals are permitted, provided that the shaded area does not exceed 40 percent, while the remaining open areas are permitted for cultivation. The decision states that the building percentages for broiler and layer chicken breeding plots throughout the country are as follows: five percent for workers' housing and services, an egg hatchery building, and five percent of the total area for a warehouse for feed, machinery, and tools. All buildings shall be one-storey. The maximum height for workers' housing and service buildings shall be five meters, eight meters for feed and equipment warehouses, and not less than 3.5 meters and not more than five meters for production and breeding plots Regarding service plots located in Plot No. 10 in Wafra Agricultural Area -- which range in size from 500 square meters to a maximum of 5,000 square meters; the decision states a building ratio of a maximum of 60 percent of the plot area; out of which an area not exceeding 100 square meters must be used as administrative offices to service the plot. The building should be one-storey and should not exceed 10 meters in height.
Kuwait Times
21-06-2025
- Kuwait Times
Green urban initiative on Kuwait's Second Ring Road first of many to come: Ahmadi Governor
KUWAIT: Kuwait has unveiled the results of its first green urban development initiative under the Green Urban Development Initiatives Committee, with a beautification and planting project along sections of the Second Ring Road. 'This marks the beginning of our committee's work,' said Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Governor of Ahmadi and Chairman of the committee, during an inspection tour of the project on Saturday. 'Similar initiatives will follow across various locations throughout Kuwait.' The beautification project, proposed by engineer Haifa Al-Muhanna and generously funded by residents of Shuwaikh residential area and surrounding neighborhoods, aims to transform a heavily trafficked stretch of roadway into a visually appealing and environmentally friendly space. 'This is nothing new for the Kuwaiti people,' Sheikh Hammoud said, praising the spirit of community engagement. 'We invite all those interested in contributing to greening and beautification efforts in all governorates to visit the committee's website or our accounts on X and Instagram (@gudikuwait). These projects improve the visual landscape, reduce pollution, and enhance quality of life.' KUWAIT: Thousands of plants, including palm trees, were planted as part of the project. Imported palm trees The first and second phases of the Second Ring Road beutification initiative began on April 14 and continued for three months. The project included the planting of thousands of hardy plants adapted to Kuwait's climate. Among them are date palms, Tecoma, Pennisetum, and red oleander, chosen for their resilience and aesthetic appeal. The palm trees were especially imported with uniform heights to maintain visual harmony. A full irrigation network was also installed to ensure sustainability. 'The palm trees used in the project are non-fruiting to make maintenance easier along major roads,' Al-Muhanna explained. 'We also enhanced the soil quality to support the long-term health and appearance of the plantings.' Spanning 1.46 kilometers and covering two roundabouts, the project reflects Kuwait's broader environmental vision, said Capital Governor Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, who also joined the tour. 'This initiative represents a major step in promoting environmental sustainability,' he said. 'It's part of a nationwide effort to create healthier and greener urban spaces that improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and raise environmental awareness.' Falah Al-Enezi, Acting Deputy Director General for Beautification at the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources. — KUNA photos Officials plant flowers as part of an inspection tour of the first green urban development initiative on Saturday. Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Supporting the initiative, Falah Al-Enezi, Acting Deputy Director General for Beautification at the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, said the authority is committed to offering logistical and technical support for such efforts. 'This kind of collaboration increases Kuwait's green footprint and contributes to environmental development,' he said. Al-Muhanna thanked the local community for their support and expressed appreciation for Sheikh Humoud's direct involvement and follow-up on the project's implementation. 'The support from both residents and officials has been key in delivering this project to a high standard,' she said. The initiative is the first major undertaking by the Green Urban Development Initiatives Committee, formed in August 2024 by ministerial decree. The committee includes senior representatives from Kuwait's agriculture authority, housing and infrastructure agencies, the Ministry of Electricity and Water, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, and civil society leaders, among others. The committee's mission is to align urban development with global sustainability trends, creating greener, healthier communities throughout Kuwait. — Agencies
Gulf Insider
10-05-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Over 8,000 Cows Infected With Foot-And-Mouth Disease In Kuwait
A severe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Kuwait has affected more than 8,000 cows over the past month, leading to a sharp 75% drop in fresh milk production — from 250,000 litres per day to just 100,000 litres, according to the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources. Salem Al Hai, Director General of the authority, confirmed that 31 out of Kuwait's 44 cow farms have reported FMD cases. While 952 cows have recovered, 71 have died from the highly contagious viral disease, which poses a serious threat to the country's meat and dairy sectors. Vaccines to contain the outbreak are expected to arrive within two weeks. In the meantime, Al Hai urged farm workers to rigorously follow sanitation protocols, including sterilising milking equipment and tools. He also stressed the need to train staff and raise awareness about preventive measures to curb further spread and support recovery of the dairy industry.
Arab Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Over 8,000 Cows Infected with Foot-and-Mouth in Kuwait; Milk Output Drops 75%
KUWAIT CITY, May 7: Director General of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Eng. Salem Al-Hai revealed that the number of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases among cows in 31 out of the 44 cow farms in Sulaibiya — from April 6 to May 5 — reached around 8,000, hence, the remarkable decline in fresh milk production from 250,000 liters per day to less than 100,000 liters or about 75 percent decline. Al-Hai told the daily that 952 cows have recovered from the disease, while 71 died, explaining that FMD is an organic disease which is also considered an economic disease as it affects the meat and dairy industries of a country. He stressed the need to strengthen the immune system of cows, as well as the biosecurity of farms and agricultural plots, to ensure adequate protection against the disease. He affirmed that vaccines for the disease will arrive within two weeks, according to the supplier, which will contribute to curbing the spread of FMD and gradually restore milk production levels in the country. He emphasized the need to adhere to the rule on limiting animal movement, whether through sale or donation, until the epidemiological situation in Sulaibiya stabilizes. He called on workers in cattle farms to strictly comply with sanitation and sterilization procedures, such as sterilizing milking equipment, milking tools and milking sites, in addition to training workers and raising their awareness on preventive measures. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Union of Fresh Dairy Companies Abdulhakim Al-Ahmad said cow farms are experiencing a major crisis due to the delayed arrival of FMD vaccines. He pointed out that losses are huge and farm owners have started selling their cows for as low as KD150; compared to the import price of KD1,500 per cow from Europe and KD1,000 for those imported from Australia. He stated that the spread of mastitis among cows has exacerbated their health condition and reduced milk production, indicating that in light of these developments, the union, PAAAFR and other concerned authorities must quickly support the affected farms and consider the import of vaccines an urgent matter.
Arab Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Affects 1,400 Cattle on 10 Kuwait Farms
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: Following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases among cattle on several farms, the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has assured both citizens and residents that consuming meat or milk from infected cows poses no risk to human health. Salem Al-Hai, Director General of the Authority, emphasized that PAAAFR is fully committed to containing the spread of the disease. 'The Authority is working tirelessly, mobilizing all available resources and medical teams to respond swiftly to the outbreak,' he said. He added that efforts are underway to expedite the importation of the necessary vaccines, which are expected to arrive by early May. Al-Hai explained that, according to scientific research and medical reports, FMD does not affect the health of those who consume meat or dairy products from infected animals. 'There is no cause for concern. Meat and dairy from affected animals are safe for consumption,' he affirmed. He clarified that FMD is an economic disease primarily impacting livestock productivity, particularly by reducing milk output. The infection typically affects the mouth and hooves of animals and is most common in cattle, though it can also impact sheep and goats to a lesser extent. During an awareness seminar hosted by the Authority, Dr. Khaled Al-Fayez confirmed that the outbreak is currently under control. He revealed that the first case was identified on April 7 at a farm in Sulaibiya. Since then, the infection has spread to 10 out of 44 farms, with approximately 1,400 cows infected out of a total cattle population of 23,000 in Kuwait.
