Saudi Agricultural Sector Contributes $31.5 Billion to GDP
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture revealed that the agricultural sector contributed $31.5 billion to the GDP in 2024, with total agricultural and food production exceeding 16 million tons, reflecting significant progress toward Saudi Vision 2030 goals, enhancing food security, and building resilient, sustainable food systems.
This announcement was made during the 42nd Saudi Agriculture exhibition, where Ali Al-Zahrani, director of the ministry's National Agriculture Strategy implementation department, detailed the progress.
Al-Zahrani explained that the National Agriculture Strategy has helped the sector overcome major challenges, including water scarcity, harsh climatic conditions, and low productivity. The strategy focuses on effective management of natural resources, adopting innovative agricultural technologies, empowering small farmers and building national capacities, and expanding international investments and partnerships.
The ministry has launched 38 pioneering national initiatives within the strategy, focusing on areas like productivity enhancement, sustainable rural development, food system resilience, and natural resource sustainability.
The agricultural sector has achieved remarkable progress, with the compound annual growth rate of the GDP exceeding 7% over the past five years. Key accomplishments include the implementation of efficient irrigation systems, which have contributed to a 52% reduction in the use of non-renewable water in agriculture compared to 2016.
Soft agricultural loans provided by the Agricultural Development Fund have increased by more than $1.9 billion.
Domestic fruit production exceeded 2.9 million tons, achieving 64% self-sufficiency, while domestic vegetable production surpassed 3.5 million tons, achieving 78% self-sufficiency.
The ministry continues to provide incentives, such as facilitating land rental and simplifying licensing, to promote investment and the adoption of smart, sustainable agricultural systems.
