Saudi Ministry Initiates First Urban Farm In Markets To Boost Food Quality

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) in Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step towards sustainability and innovation in agriculture by launching the first urban vertical farm within food markets and stores. This initiative, a first in the region, aims to transform the shopping experience by offering customers access to fresh food products directly within retail environments. Eng. Ahmed Al-Eyada, the Undersecretary of MEWA, was present at the inauguration of this project, marking a milestone in the Kingdom's approach to modern agriculture.

Implemented by a leading company specializing in modern bioagriculture technologies, including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, the project has been rolled out in the Danube markets located in Riyadh. The installation features commercial display units that house small-scale farms, showcasing a variety of plants and agricultural products such as lettuce, coriander, parsley, and broccoli. Notably, many of these products have traditionally been imported from outside Saudi Arabia, highlighting the project's potential to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports.

The urban vertical farm initiative is just the beginning of an ambitious plan to expand this model across the Kingdom. Over the next five years, MEWA aims to establish approximately 600 to 1,000 farms within the retail system across all markets in Saudi Arabia. These farms are expected to supply between 20 to 40% of the domestic demand for agricultural products and vegetables, significantly contributing to the nation's self-sufficiency in food production.

This innovative approach not only promises to bring fresher produce to consumers but also represents a sustainable model of agriculture that can operate with limited space and resources. By integrating farms into urban retail environments, MEWA is setting a new standard for how cities can incorporate agriculture into their landscapes and economies. As this initiative unfolds, it will be interesting to observe its impact on food availability, consumer habits, and the agricultural sector at large within Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA