Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced a significant surge in private sector investments in the kingdom’s agriculture and food sector, with total investments surpassing SAR37 billion ($9.85 billion).
These agriculture investments cover a broad range of projects across Saudi Arabia, including crop production, livestock, fisheries, agricultural processing and manufacturing, and infrastructure development. All projects align with Saudi Vision 2030, the ministry stated.
Private sector’s key role
The ministry made the announcement during a panel discussion titled ‘Vision 2030 and the National Food Strategy: Future Challenges’, led by Assistant Deputy Minister for Agriculture Dr. Sulaiman Al-Khateeb, which took place at the 41st Saudi Agricultural Exhibition in Riyadh.
Assistant Deputy Minister Al-Khateeb emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in advancing the agricultural sector. These investments also support the ministry’s efforts in achieving food security, economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability.
The investment projects include plant production, livestock, and fisheries, as well as agricultural processing, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. The ministry is also encouraging investments in cold chain infrastructure to improve the transportation of agricultural products. Moreover, it is promoting the establishment of marketing centers throughout the kingdom.
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National Agriculture Strategy 2034
Assistant Deputy Minister Al-Khateeb stated: “To facilitate these investments and enhance sector efficiency, the ministry has introduced various incentives and enablers. These include supporting investment opportunities, promoting the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, providing agricultural loans through the Agricultural Development Fund, encouraging affordable land leases, streamlining licensing procedures for agricultural projects, and offering technical and advisory support to farmers.”
These objectives align with the National Agriculture Strategy 2034, which focuses on natural resource sustainability, innovation, pest prevention, increased economic contribution, and fostering a thriving agricultural community.
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