Vegetable prices remain stable during Ramadan thanks to modern agricultural techniques
Abundant local production and stable prices during Ramadan
With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, markets in the Eastern Province are witnessing a significant influx of fresh, locally grown vegetables. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has successfully boosted the supply of dozens of essential varieties, contributing to price stability and ensuring high-quality produce reaches consumers. This achievement is a direct result of strategic investments in modern agricultural technologies, which have enabled local farms to increase their production throughout the year.
General context: Modern agriculture as a pillar of food security in Vision 2030
As part of its Vision 2030 objectives, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prioritizes achieving food security and reducing reliance on imports. Faced with climatic challenges and water scarcity, modern agricultural technologies have emerged as a strategic solution. By adopting greenhouse systems, hydroponics, and smart irrigation methods, the Saudi agricultural sector has been able to overcome harsh desert conditions and achieve remarkable productivity gains. What we see today in Ramadan markets is not a coincidence, but rather the result of years of planning and support for farmers in adopting these technologies, which ensure sustainable production and efficient resource use.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, this success has a direct and positive impact on citizens and residents, ensuring stable prices for essential goods during a month of increased demand and protecting them from global price fluctuations. It also supports the national economy by empowering local farmers and promoting domestic production. Regionally, the Kingdom presents a pioneering model in desert agriculture, demonstrating its ability to achieve self-sufficiency in vital sectors and reinforcing its position as a stable and influential economic power in the region.
Safe and high-quality food product
The Ministry's branch in the Eastern Province affirmed that all agricultural products undergo a rigorous quality control process, beginning with the selection of improved seeds, continuing through the application of modern irrigation systems, and culminating in safe packaging. The branch's Deputy Director General, Engineer Saleh Al-Ghamdi, explained that this systematic inspection ensures that millions of consumers receive safe, high-quality food products. He encouraged consumers to diversify their consumption by including leafy, root, and fruit vegetables to achieve optimal nutritional balance, emphasizing the importance of washing them thoroughly before use and storing them at appropriate temperatures to preserve their nutritional value.
Supporting the health of those fasting
Vegetables are especially important on Ramadan tables, as they are rich in dietary fiber, which improves digestion and prevents constipation. They also contain essential vitamins such as vitamins C, A, and B complex, as well as minerals like potassium, iron, and magnesium, which replenish what the body loses during fasting hours. Vegetables with high water content, such as cucumbers and lettuce, also help to hydrate the body and effectively combat thirst.
Ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable supply
For his part, the Director of the Agriculture Department, Engineer Waleed Al-Shuwaired, indicated that the Ministry is leading extensive efforts to support supply chains and facilitate crop marketing, ensuring a continuous flow of produce to central markets and meeting the high consumption rates during the holy month. He added that government investments in modern technologies have resulted in a remarkable stability in annual production volume, which has positively impacted price stability and made produce affordable for all segments of society throughout the year.
