RIYADH — The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has identified a significant investment gap in the agriculture and food sector, estimated at approximately SR37 billion. This gap pertains to plant and animal production projects, fishery resources, as well as initiatives for processing, manufacturing agricultural products, and infrastructure development. This revelation was made during a dialogue session titled "Vision 2030 and the National Food Strategy: Future Challenges," presented by the Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture, Dr. Sulaiman AlKhateeb, as part of the activities of the 41st Saudi Agricultural Exhibition held in Riyadh. Dr. AlKhateeb emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in advancing the agricultural sector, achieving food security, and promoting economic, social, and environmental development, which are essential for the sustainability of the sector. He highlighted key investment opportunities, particularly in plant production projects. Investments in establishing integrated facilities for vegetable production and processing in greenhouses and open fields are projected to be worth about SR4.1 billion, targeting crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, onions, and leafy vegetables. Additional opportunities include approximately SR2.1 billion for citrus and mango cultivation in shaded houses and open fields, as well as SR690 million for seedling production facilities. In the animal production and fisheries sectors, Dr. AlKhateeb noted significant investment potential, with about SR8.9 billion allocated for intensive livestock breeding projects aimed at providing red meat, and SR5.4 billion for poultry farming and waste utilization. Moreover, investments in aquaculture projects for shrimp and algae are expected to reach SR7 billion. The processing and manufacturing of agricultural products also present substantial opportunities, with an estimated SR8.1 billion for importing raw materials and manufacturing coffee products, cocoa and its preparations, and sugar. Investment in olive oil production and manufacturing is anticipated to provide around SR400 million in opportunities. Dr. AlKhateeb further indicated that numerous investment prospects exist in infrastructure development projects, particularly in enhancing the cold chain, transporting agricultural products, and developing marketing service centers across Saudi Arabia. To improve agricultural production, the Ministry has initiated several strategic measures, including halting the cultivation of perennial fodder, transitioning to seasonal fodder, promoting intensive livestock breeding, localizing the production of strategic crop seeds, and increasing exports of fish products and vegetables from advanced greenhouses.
