Saudi Arabia's countryside: 1100% growth in rainfed crops and support for farmers

The Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, " Reef Saudi Arabia, " has achieved an unprecedented milestone in the Kingdom's agricultural sector, announcing a remarkable leap in rainfed crop cultivation with a growth rate exceeding 1100% . This achievement reflects the rapid development of services and efforts to empower farmers, with the number of beneficiaries of direct support in this vital sector rising to over 13,300 across various regions of the Kingdom, confirming the success of strategies to reach target groups in rural areas.

Historical context and strategic importance

Rainfed agriculture (cropping based on rainfall without irrigation) holds deep historical and cultural significance in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the southern and southwestern regions such as Asir, Jazan, and Al-Baha. This type of agriculture has long been a cornerstone of food security for our ancestors, with the Kingdom renowned for its rainfed cultivation of sorghum, millet, and sesame. The Saudi Countryside Initiative's focus on this sector is part of its efforts to revive and develop this agricultural heritage using modern technologies, ensuring the sustainability of the Kingdom's scarce water resources. Rainfed agriculture is considered the ideal solution for food production with the lowest possible water footprint.

Enhancing food security and self-sufficiency

Official statistics confirm that the rainfed crops sector, one of the eight sectors targeted by the program, has become a cornerstone of the national food security system. Majed Al-Buraikan, the official spokesperson for the "Reef Saudi Arabia" program, explained that this significant growth directly contributes to achieving the Kingdom's self-sufficiency in grains and staple crops, a strategic objective aligned with global challenges related to food supply chains.

Economic and social impact

The impact of this growth is not limited to agricultural figures alone, but extends to broad economic and social dimensions:

• Reducing migration: Supporting small farmers helps stabilize the population in their rural areas and reduces migration to major cities.
• Job creation: The program seeks to create new job opportunities for young people and productive families in rural areas, thereby promoting social stability.
• Improving income: The program focuses its efforts on improving the income of small farmers and raising their standard of living, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for balanced rural development.

Diverse sectors and comprehensive development

In addition to rainfed crops, the support and guidance provided by "Reef Saudi Arabia" encompasses eight diverse key sectors, including honey, fruits, Saudi coffee, and roses. The program's services also extend to livestock breeders, small-scale fishermen, and the value-added sector. This diversity aims to achieve comprehensive and sustainable agricultural development that preserves the environment and natural resources, making rural Saudi Arabia a significant economic contributor to the national economy.