Livestock production complexes in Saudi Arabia: Supporting 56,000 beneficiaries
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the national food security system, the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, "Reef Saudi Arabia," announced the completion of seven integrated model complexes dedicated to the livestock production. These vital projects are distributed across various regions of the Kingdom, targeting over 56,000 beneficiaries among small-scale livestock breeders and enhancing the efficiency of this crucial sector in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
This project comes within the framework of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on food imports. Historically, livestock farming has been an integral part of the social and economic fabric of the Arabian Peninsula. However, traditional practices are no longer sufficient to meet the challenges of population growth and the demands of the modern market. Hence, the importance of establishing advanced infrastructure that adopts the latest technologies and international standards to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and increase productivity has become paramount—a goal these complexes aim to achieve.
Livestock production complexes: Integrated infrastructure for small-scale farmers
The new complexes are located in vital and strategic livestock-raising areas, including Medina, Qassim, Najran, Hail, Jubail, Hafr Al-Batin, and Arar. Majed Al-Buraikan, the official spokesperson for the "Reef Saudi Arabia" program, explained that these complexes represent a qualitative leap in the rural development system, as they will directly contribute to improving the living standards of small-scale farmers and enhancing their output. He confirmed that work is underway to complete the final preparations to receive beneficiaries soon.
These centers are designed to be integrated incubators that provide breeders with an ideal environment to develop their herds, by providing veterinary services, guidance on the best livestock breeds, and applying scientific methods in nutrition and health care, which ensures the enhancement of meat and dairy product quality and increases the financial return for farmers.
Digital transformation and knowledge empowerment
The support extended beyond physical infrastructure to include technical and knowledge-based aspects. In this context, Al-Buraikan announced the launch of the advanced digital system "Flock Smart," a specialized farm management application that allows breeders to track their herds' productivity, assess their health, and fully digitize their records. This digital tool aims to empower breeders to make data-driven decisions, ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of their operations. Regarding field training, the program conducted ten specialized training courses in the Asir, Jazan, and Qassim regions, focusing on transferring knowledge about modern feeding practices, effective forage resource management, and enhancing the operational readiness of rural communities.
Economic and social impact extending across the Kingdom
These complexes are expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Locally, they will create new job opportunities in rural areas and contribute to the stability of local communities by improving the income of families working in the sheep, goat, and camel breeding sector. Nationally, increased domestic red meat production will reduce the import bill and enhance the Kingdom's ability to achieve self-sufficiency in one of its most important food products. Optimal investment in natural resources and the development of traditional systems not only serve economic objectives but also support the sustainability of desert environments and preserve biodiversity, thus solidifying the Kingdom's position as a key player in achieving sustainable agricultural development regionally and internationally.
