Riyadh: Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa), Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli launched the Cooperative Insurance Initiative to prevent plant pests and animal diseases. This initiative is part of the National Transformation Program and is being implemented by Weqaa and relevant entities to enhance the sustainability of the agricultural sector. CEO of Weqaa Eng. Ayman bin Saad Al-Ghamdi noted that the initiative is a cooperative model that considers the humanitarian and social aspects of beneficiaries in the agriculture sector, including farmers and livestock breeders. It aims to reduce the significant economic losses caused by plant pests and animal diseases and covers the most critical diseases and pests in the plant and animal health sectors. Al-Ghamdi highlighted the initiative's importance in contributing to improving various aspects of animal and plant wealth in the Kingdom. He referred to its role in protecting agricultural producers from financial losses, safeguarding government support for farmers and livestock breeders through the activation of the cooperative insurance system, and reducing food loss and waste caused by plant pests and animal diseases. The initiative also aims to stimulate investment in the agricultural sector by reducing risks and ensuring the sustainability of vital resources. Source: Saudi Press Agency