The Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, "Reef Saudi Arabia," has achieved a qualitative leap and an unprecedented accomplishment in enhancing food security in the Kingdom, with the rainfed crop sector recording a record growth rate exceeding 1100%. This remarkable figure reflects the success of the strategies adopted in developing the agricultural sector, as the number of beneficiaries of the program's direct support in this vital sector has risen to more than 13,300, distributed across various regions and governorates of Saudi Arabia.
A fundamental pillar of food security
Recent official statistics indicate that the rainfed crop sector, one of the eight sectors targeted by the program, has become a cornerstone of the local production system. Rainfed agriculture holds paramount strategic importance in Saudi Arabia due to its primary reliance on rainfall, making it a sustainable option that contributes to preserving groundwater reserves and aligns with the region's environmental and climatic challenges.
In this context, the official spokesperson for the “Saudi Countryside” program, Majid Al-Buraikan, explained that this significant growth is not merely a statistical figure, but rather contributes directly and practically to enhancing national food security and achieving higher rates of self-sufficiency, which serves the national economy and reduces dependence on imports for some basic agricultural products.
Supporting small farmers and Vision 2030
The program focuses its efforts intensively on improving the income and living standards of small farmers, recognizing them as the backbone of rural development. This support is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes rural development and aims to curb reverse migration to major cities by creating meaningful and sustainable job opportunities in villages and rural areas.
Through these developmental leaps, “Reef Saudi Arabia” seeks to diversify the agricultural production base and create a stable economic environment that ensures social stability for rural residents, thus transforming agriculture from a mere traditional profession into a promising investment sector that generates rewarding income for rural families.
Comprehensive support and diverse sectors
The program's role is not limited to rainfed crops; the support and guidance provided by "Reef Saudi Arabia" encompasses eight key sectors carefully selected based on the comparative advantages of the Kingdom's regions. These sectors include: honey production, fruit cultivation and development, Saudi coffee cultivation, rose cultivation, and rainfed crops.
The program's services also extend to other vital sectors such as small-scale livestock farmers, small-scale fishermen, and the value-added sector, which focuses on processing agricultural products. This diversity aims to achieve comprehensive and sustainable agricultural development that preserves the environment and natural resources, and ensures continued production for future generations.
