Amjad Badr, Syria’s Minister of Agriculture, discussed opportunities for cooperation in cotton production with a delegation from the Saudi company Kingdom Design Company (KDC). The meeting, held Sunday, March 8, at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus, focused on potential investment in the cultivation, processing and marketing of cotton as part of broader efforts to revitalize Syria’s agricultural sector.
Expanding Cotton Cultivation
Badr emphasized the importance of expanding cotton cultivation and increasing production due to the crop’s economic and social significance in Syria. He stressed the need to adhere to regulations preserving the reputation and quality of Syrian cotton, particularly certified varieties known for meeting international standards.
The minister highlighted the importance of using modern technologies throughout the production process. This includes adopting advanced irrigation systems to conserve water resources and introducing mechanical harvesting methods to improve efficiency.
Badr also underscored the need to follow the national agricultural production plan and respect the designated cultivation areas based on available water resources. He called for protecting soil quality through appropriate crop rotation practices and emphasized the value of contract farming and agricultural cooperatives.
Reviving Syrian Cotton’s Global Role
Members of the KDC delegation noted the distinctive characteristics of Syrian cotton and its long-standing reputation in global markets. They stressed the importance of reviving this sector for the benefit of both the national economy and Syrian farmers. The delegation proposed signing a memorandum of intent as a first step to conduct feasibility studies, with detailed agreements expected to follow at a later stage.
KDC has over 15 years of experience implementing development projects. Earlier, on March 4, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry of Syria to help revitalize the country’s textile industry, including rehabilitating and operating state-owned cotton ginning, spinning and weaving facilities.
