‘Wafir Auction’ strengthens Kuwait’s food security; 70% of local produce marketed through Sulaibiya hub

As part of ongoing national efforts to promote local agricultural produce and enhance Kuwait’s food security, the Wafir Company Auction in the Sulaibiya area — known locally as Al-Fardah Market — continues to play a vital role as one of the country’s largest and most active centers for supplying fresh vegetables and fruits to the local market.

The joint committee formed to monitor the implementation of Ministerial Resolution No. 31 of 2025, which supports the marketing of local agricultural produce through the cooperative societies said, the auction’s operations and product trading mechanisms is being done systematically, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The head of the committee, Cooperative Societies Supervisor Youssef Al-Jafour, revealed that the Wafir Auction handles on an average of 180,000 cartons of vegetables daily, roughly about 5.4 million cartons monthly.

Of this, the cooperative societies account for roughly two million cartons, following the enforcement of the ministerial decision to promote local agricultural produce through the cooperatives.

Al-Jafour noted that cooperatives’ commitment to daily purchases from the auction has reached 39%, a significant improvement compared to previous years, when the rate did not exceed 25%.

He explained that the committee continuously updates a circular of available products at sales outlets based on production levels, distributing it to all cooperatives.

To ensure integrity and transparency, the committee verifies actual purchase invoices from cooperatives and compares them with sales ratios across branches and markets. The Ministry of Commerce also monitors price fluctuations to prevent unjustified increases.

Al-Jafour affirmed that strict and continuous oversight has led to a sharp decline in violations and a marked increase in cooperatives’ compliance with the decision. He warned that associations failing to adhere to purchasing regulations face graduated legal measures—starting with warnings, followed by judicial seizure, and ultimately the suspension of bank accreditation or dissolution of their boards in cases of persistent noncompliance.

He added that several cooperatives have already faced judicial actions for violating the decision. The ministry, through the committee, intervenes directly when it identifies weak purchasing performance. Al-Jafour emphasized that the cooperative sector is exploring new mechanisms to enhance the organization of local produce purchases and grant priority access to Kuwaiti farmers within cooperative markets.

He also urged cooperative representatives to attend auctions until their conclusion to secure high-quality local products at fair cooperative prices.

For his part, Mahmoud Ramadan, Director of the First Wafir Auction, highlighted the auction’s pivotal role in promoting national agricultural output year-round by ensuring the steady flow of leafy and fruit crops to markets at fair and competitive prices.

He stated that approximately 70% of Kuwait’s total local agricultural production is sold through the Wafir Auction, which serves as a key intermediary between farm owners and purchasing entities, including cooperative societies and parallel markets.

Ramadan affirmed that this system supports both farmers and consumers, contributing to a sustainable agricultural economy and a stronger national food security network.