Record growth of 1100% in rural Saudi Arabia and support for rainfed crops
The Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, known as "Reef Saudi Arabia," has achieved an unprecedented milestone in the history of the Kingdom's agricultural sector, with rainfed crop cultivation recording a record growth rate exceeding 1100%. This remarkable leap reflects the success of the strategies implemented to develop agricultural services, coinciding with a rise in the number of beneficiaries of direct support in this vital sector to more than 13,300, distributed across the Kingdom's various administrative regions.
Historical context and importance of rainfed agriculture
Rainfed agriculture is a historical legacy and an integral part of the Saudi farmer's identity, particularly in the southern and southwestern regions such as Asir, Al-Baha, and Jazan. For centuries, ancestors relied on rainwater to produce grains and fruits without depleting groundwater. The Saudi Countryside Initiative's focus on this agricultural method aims to revive this heritage using modern technologies, ensuring the sustainability of the Kingdom's scarce water resources and enhancing the efficiency of rainwater and floodwater utilization. This represents a smart shift towards environmentally friendly agriculture.
Economic and strategic impact within Vision 2030
Official statistics confirm that the rainfed crops sector, one of the eight sectors targeted by the program, has become a cornerstone of the national food security equation. This rapid growth aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to:
- Achieving self-sufficiency in strategic food commodities.
- Increase the efficiency of local production and reduce the import bill.
- Reducing migration from villages to cities by creating economically viable job opportunities in rural areas.
Enhancing food security and supporting small farmers
Commenting on this achievement, Majid Al-Buraikan, the official spokesperson for the Saudi Countryside Development Program, explained that this significant growth directly contributes to strengthening the Kingdom's food security system. Al-Buraikan emphasized the strategic importance of supporting rainfed agriculture to ensure its sustainability, particularly in areas reliant on limited water resources and rainfall, thus alleviating pressure on traditional water sources.
The program focuses its efforts intensively on improving the income of small farmers and raising their standard of living, as “Reef Saudi Arabia” seeks, through these developmental leaps, to diversify the agricultural production base and create a stable work environment that ensures the social stability of rural residents and enables them to contribute effectively to the national economy.
Comprehensive support in rural Saudi Arabia
The program's role is not limited to rainfed crops; rather, the umbrella of support and guidance extends to include eight diverse key sectors that were carefully selected based on the comparative advantages of the Kingdom's regions, namely:
- Honey production and processing.
- Fruit cultivation and trade.
- Developing Saudi coffee cultivation.
- Cultivation of roses and aromatic plants.
- Rainfed crops (corn, millet, wheat, etc.).
- Small-scale livestock breeders sector.
- The small-scale fishing sector.
- Value-added sector (agricultural manufacturing).
This integration between sectors aims to achieve comprehensive and sustainable agricultural development that preserves the environment and natural resources for future generations.
