Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its strong commitment to international collaboration, aiming to build robust and inclusive food systems crucial for global and regional food security. The Kingdom emphasized the importance of collective action to ensure stable agricultural supply chains and transparent, multilateral trade.
This was stated by Eng. Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, during his speech at the Agriculture Working Group Ministerial Meeting in South Africa.
Minister Alfadley pointed to pressing issues like natural resource scarcity, climate change, and volatile global markets. He stressed the urgent need for integrated strategies to enhance agricultural resilience and support sustainable production methods.
Saudi Arabia itself has been making significant strides in its agricultural sector. The Minister noted that the Kingdom's total agricultural output exceeded 16 million tons in 2024. The sector's contribution to GDP reached approximately $31.5 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of over 7% in the past five years.
Alfadley detailed national programs designed to foster sustainable agricultural development. These initiatives focus on responsible resource management, including high-efficiency irrigation systems and leveraging geographical diversity for crop distribution. Efforts also include improving soil health and fertility, and optimizing water management to utilize renewable water sources in agriculture. These measures have led to a notable 52% reduction in non-renewable water usage within the agricultural sector.
Further, the Kingdom is investing in rural development, entrepreneurship, and localizing agricultural professions to empower small farmers, productive rural families, women, and youth. Over 80,000 beneficiaries and 50,000 productive families have benefited from the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program (REEF).
Saudi Arabia has also adopted advanced production models for intensive livestock farming, dairy production, poultry projects, and protected vegetable cultivation, ensuring a sustainable transformation in its agricultural systems. To further boost innovation and climate-resilient smart farming, concessional agricultural loans surged to over $1.9 billion in 2024.
G20 Agriculture Ministerial meetings serve as a key platform for discussing global food security challenges and sustainable agricultural practices, fostering international cooperation to develop shared strategies for pressing agricultural issues worldwide.