Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley inaugurated on Monday the 41st Saudi Agricultural Exhibition in Riyadh.
The event, which runs from October 21-24, highlights key investment opportunities and features cutting-edge technologies, solutions, and innovations in the agriculture sector. Over 420 agricultural companies representing 29 countries are taking part. Qatari Minister of Municipality Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Subaie attended the opening ceremony.
Alfadley emphasized the importance of strengthening national economic priorities and achieving food security in Saudi Arabia while striking a balance between agricultural development and the preservation of natural resources.
This is key to boosting sustainability and ensuring the protection of the environment and agricultural assets for future generations, he stressed.
Alfadley underscored the significant economic growth of the agricultural sector over the past three years, attributing it to the unwavering support from the country’s leadership and to the ministry’s efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices. These have led to the sustainability of agricultural production; the preservation of soil, water, and natural resources; and self-sufficiency in a variety of agricultural products.
The sector achieved its highest-ever contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), amounting to SAR109 billion, further driving sustainable development and supporting the national economy, he revealed.
During the exhibition, Alfadley witnessed the signing of 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding with total investments exceeding SAR800 million to bolster agricultural production in the Kingdom.
The event saw the launch of the KAUST Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security. The strategic initiative aims to boost food security in the Kingdom by developing sustainable innovations and solutions in agriculture in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.