Kuwait intensifies coordinated efforts boosting food security resilience | Kuwait Times Newspaper (original) (raw)

KUWAIT: Kuwait intensified coordinated efforts across multiple tracks to strengthen food security and ensure supply sustainability following the early hours of the Iranian aggression on the country.Government actions linked urgent needs with long-term stability, focusing on logistics, market regulation, and operational efficiency to secure supplies and maintain uninterrupted flow of goods.

Plans expanded strategic storage capacity, reinforced market oversight to stabilize prices and prevent monopolies, and ensured efficient management of entry points and supply chains. Efforts integrated with production and supply measures, increasing food manufacturing capacity and distribution, alongside preparedness and relief initiatives equipping shelters with essential supplies.

Kuwait’s actions aligned with Gulf cooperation to advance GCC food security initiatives adopted in November 2025, enhancing logistics flexibility and easing transit and customs procedures. Exceptional measures included government coverage of additional import costs to guarantee continued supply of essential goods during emergencies. Strict regulations require supported companies to maintain local prices and prohibit re-export without ministerial approval.

A comprehensive monitoring system ensures transparency, from electronic applications to field audits and record inspections.Authorities also fixed food prices and banned exports, while emergency teams intensified market inspections and verified stock levels and supply flows.

Operationally, agencies ensured continuity at ports, activated emergency committees, and implemented precautionary measures to strengthen maritime infrastructure.Border crossings maintained smooth truck movement, prioritizing food and medical shipments with ongoing digital coordination.Air cargo routes were adjusted, shifting to land transport via GCC and neighboring countries.

Official data showed clearance of 417 tons of medicines, 103,775 tons of food, and 24,400 tons of vegetables between February 28 and March 21. Procedures were eased under Article 28 to expedite food shipment clearance without compromising safety standards.

Production and supply efforts supported cooperatives, expanding distribution centers and logistics capacity, including transport fleets and workforce increases. Flexible supply mechanisms were introduced, enhancing coordination with national food producers and enabling resource sharing among cooperatives.Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company more than doubled bread production to meet rising demand, with capacity to increase further if needed.

Its distribution network covers around 3,000 daily outlets nationwide, including cooperatives, shops, restaurants, and delivery services.Kuwait Airways operated special flights to transport fresh food supplies, supporting market availability. Livestock imports continued to ensure stability, alongside activation of emergency plans with relevant authorities.

Shelters and evacuation centers were equipped as integrated units with ample food, medical, and logistical supplies.Senior officials conducted inspection tours covering cooperatives, control centers, food companies, markets, and border facilities to assess readiness.Logistically, the government held extensive meetings to enhance infrastructure, allocate land for strategic storage, and improve supply management.

Discussions focused on transitioning from immediate response to structural reinforcement, accelerating land allocation and boosting stock management efficiency. Broad participation by ministers and officials underscored commitment to unified coordination and sustainable food security under all conditions.Authorities also urged consumers to avoid stockpiling to prevent waste and undue pressure on the food system amid high preparedness levels. — KUNA