Saudi citrus season: 123,000 tons of lemons boost food security

In a move reflecting the agricultural boom the Kingdom is witnessing, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture the Saudi Citrus Season, announcing huge production figures that confirm the success of food security strategies within the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This launch comes to enhance the presence of the national product in local markets, raising the slogan of quality and sustainability in the face of imported products.

A qualitative leap in local production

Official data released at the start of the season revealed promising figures highlighting the scale of investment in this vital sector. Lemons topped the agricultural landscape with an annual production exceeding 123,000 tons , supported by a robust agricultural base of over 1.5 million fruit-bearing trees. These figures not only reflect an abundance of supply but also indicate a strategic shift towards self-sufficiency in one of the most important daily food crops.

Geographical diversity: the secret to the excellence of Saudi citrus fruits

Saudi Arabia boasts a unique climatic and geographical diversity that has contributed to the widespread success of citrus cultivation. The production map extends across multiple regions, most notably Najran and Medina, passing through Riyadh, Tabuk, Hail, and Qassim, and reaching the Eastern Province, Asir, and the historic Al-Ula region.

This climatic variation between regions has provided a major competitive advantage in the length of the production season, as fresh Saudi citrus fruits are available in the markets for up to nine months a year, starting from the beginning of July until March, thus ensuring fresh “farm-to-table” products for consumers for long periods of the year.

A diverse basket that goes beyond lemons

Despite lemons dominating the lion's share of production, Saudi Arabia's citrus basket boasts a wide variety that caters to all tastes and manufacturing needs. Oranges come in second in economic importance, with an annual production of approximately 35,700 tons from over 397,000 trees. The basket is complemented by other varieties such as tangerines, grapefruit, citron, and kumquats, reflecting the richness of Saudi soil and its capacity to support diverse agricultural crops.

Modern marketing supports farmers and the economy

The ministry did not limit itself to supporting agriculture; it focused its efforts on the most crucial element: marketing. The season saw the launch of strategic partnerships with major retailers to present local produce using modern display methods and advanced packaging that rivals international products. This initiative aims to:

• Changing the traditional mental image of the local product.
• To increase the economic returns for Saudi farmers.
• Enhancing consumer confidence in the quality and safety of national crops.

This agricultural movement represents an integral part of the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify non-oil sources of income, as the agricultural sector is a key pillar in sustainable rural development and job creation, in line with the objectives of the National Transformation Program.