En MEWA Agriculture - High Resolution For Reading

Innovation in the

Agriculture sector
in Saudi Arabia
Technology Adoption Roadmap
Statement by His Excellency the Minister
of Environment, Water, and Agriculture

The Kingdom’s leadership believes in the

importance of research and innovation to
build a knowledge economy and achieve true
diversification of the state’s resources, especially
in the vital, priority sectors of environment,
water, and agriculture. The Ministry of
Environment, Water, and Agriculture aims to
enable partners across the innovation ecosystem
to stimulate and localize technologies to provide
effective sustainability solutions within the
Ministry’s sectors.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman
His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley
Crown Prince, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council of
Ministers, and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for
Research, Development, and Innovation Statement by His Excellency the Vice Minister
of Environment, Water, and Agriculture
”Our ambition for Saudi Arabia is to become a global The innovation ecosystem enjoys unlimited
support and keen interest from our wise
leader in research, development, and innovation leadership, may God support them. The Ministry
of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has
with an annual investment equivalent to 2.5% of taken several steps to enable innovation,
GDP in 2040. This will diversify and add 60 billion including establishing a deputyship for research
and innovation to help find innovative solutions
Saudi Riyals (US$ 16 billion )to the economy in for issues related to sustainability of natural
2040 while creating high-value jobs in science resources, environmental protection, meeting
basic water and food needs, and achieving
and technology.“ economic and developmental outcomes.
His Excellency Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al Mushaiti

Eng. Ahmed Saleh Dr. Abdulaziz bin
Aiadh AlKhamshi Malik Al-Malik
Agricultural Innovation in Saudi Arabia A Technology Deployment Roadmap
Deputy Minister for Deputy Minister

Agriculture Affairs for Research
and Innovation
Statement by His Excellency the Deputy Minister for Agriculture Statement by His Excellency the Deputy Minister for Research and Innovation
The agricultural sector is one of the most vital sectors in the world‚ and the importance of this sector Many countries have focused on developing their technological and innovative capabilities‚ as it is a key
increases with the emerging global changes and challenges. The agricultural sector affects the whole enabler for sustainable economic growth. It helps increase the competitiveness and productivity of various
world‚ as it is responsible for providing food‚ preserving rural communities‚ and managing the vast economic sectors and provides effective solutions to many pressing challenges. The Kingdom of Saudi
majority of agricultural lands. It also extends to managing animal and fisheries wealth. In the Kingdom‚ Arabia has given remarkable attention to technology and innovation in various vital sectors. His Royal
the agricultural sector plays significant economic and social roles‚ contributing around 4.3% to the non-oil Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman‚ Crown Prince‚ Prime Minister‚ Chairman of the Council of Ministers‚
GDP‚ employing close to 350‚000 people‚ and forming a core foundation for the Kingdom’s future growth and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Research‚ Development‚ and Innovation‚ announced the
and a major pillar of Vision 2030. aspirations and national priorities for research‚ development‚ and innovation in Saudi Arabia for the next
two decades. These are based on four key priorities‚ including environmental sustainability and basic needs.
The sector has unique characteristics‚ where harsh and unsuitable environmental conditions like water
This reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainably provide for the basic human needs of water and
scarcity and hot weather affect its processes and outputs. Recognizing the extreme importance of this
food by developing environmentally friendly technologies for water supply and desalination‚ and modern
sector for food and water security‚ the government of the Kingdom is committed to supporting this
and sustainable techniques for food production and the expansion of green areas.
sector in various ways‚ carrying out multiple organizational reforms to create a sustainable environment
that stimulates growth‚ and restructuring the sector to serve national ambitions. These measures The urgent need to adopt technology and innovation in the agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia stems from
have resulted in several accomplishments‚ including a major reduction in the use of non-renewable the necessity to strike a healthy balance between increasing food production — which is essential to
groundwater‚ decreasing from 19 billion cubic meters in 2015 to about 10 billion cubic meters in 2022. The achieve self-sufficiency and food security‚ support steady economic growth‚ and reduce the agricultural
food self-sufficiency rate exceeded 50% in 2022‚ representing a significant leap towards achieving our trade deficit — and ensuring the sustainability of scarce water resources in the long term and avoiding
food security. damage to the local environment.
In recent years‚ the Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚ and Agriculture focused on organizational reforms and Recognizing the importance of adopting technology and innovation‚ the Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚
sector restructuring aligned with future aspirations within Vision 2030‚ which contributed to the sector’s and Agriculture established a Deputyship for Research and Innovation within its organizational structure
evolution. It will continue to do so‚ God willing‚ to realize national ambitions and targets. The Ministry to activate the Ministry’s role within the institutional framework and national governance model for the
believes the agricultural sector is now more ready to benefit from the innovative solutions offered by research‚ development‚ and innovation sector. It has developed an executive institutional research
modern technologies for further productivity and resilience. The Ministry also recognizes this approach and innovation strategic plan to make the environment‚ water‚ and agriculture system the most ready
can transform sectoral challenges into opportunities‚ God willing‚ thereby contributing to higher levels of and capable to embrace and develop innovative technologies and practices. One of the most important
food and water security. components of this plan‚ which our report discusses‚ is the strategic focus on adopting priority innovative
technical solutions to meet the needs of the agricultural sector. This will serve as a guide for institutional
The roadmap for adopting innovative technologies in the agricultural sector affirms the Ministry of
interventions and initiatives to ensure optimal steering of efforts and resources.
Environment‚ Water‚ and Agriculture’s commitment to harness innovation to elevate the sector. This
initiative establishes a strategic vision for integrating advanced technologies into agricultural practices The Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚ and Agriculture followed a carefully designed methodology to analyze‚
and setting new standards for efficiency‚ sustainability‚ and productivity. As we look to the next phase demand‚ and identify available supplies of the most important innovative solutions for the agricultural
with great ambition and optimism‚ this roadmap will serve as a guiding reference to direct the Ministry’s sector that should be focused on in the short- and medium-term. It detailed the waves of their adoption and
and all stakeholders’ efforts in the fields of agricultural technology and innovation‚ to bring about the widespread dissemination in a technology adoption roadmap for the agricultural sector in the Kingdom.
desired shift towards a sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector. This methodology relied on several criteria‚ including expected impact of technology deployment‚ its
ability to address challenges facing the agricultural sector‚ and ease of adoption‚ with a focus on the most
mature‚ deployment-ready technologies. After piloting and adaptation to suit local conditions‚ these
technologies can be broadly disseminated in the sector. This roadmap was developed through integration‚
cooperation‚ and support from various stakeholders and in alignment with relevant national strategies
for the environment‚ water‚ agriculture and research‚ development and innovation sectors. The process
involved dozens of policymakers and experts specialized in agricultural innovation.
The purpose of publishing this report is to inform all stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem‚ including
pioneering and emerging companies‚ R&D centers‚ and non-profit organizations‚ about the Ministry’s
strategic direction in this sector. This information will assist them in making informed decisions and
developing their own customized plans and policies enlightened by the promising opportunities
outlined in this report for incorporating technology and innovation into their operations and systems.
6 7
This will have the greatest impact‚ God willing‚ in elevating the national agricultural system.
About the Report

This report is one of three reports issued by the Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚ and Agriculture on
technology adoption in its sectors in the Kingdom. It aims to identify ready technologies contributing to
solving sectoral challenges in the Kingdom and outlining the Ministry’s executive plan in this regard.
Agricultural Innovation in the Environmental Innovation in Water Innovation in the

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
About the Ministry of Environment,

Water, and Agriculture
The Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚ and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is responsible for
regulating and implementing all aspects of the Kingdom’s policies in the environment‚ water‚ and
agriculture sectors. The Ministry implements environmental‚ water‚ and agricultural plans and programs
at the national level‚ with a focus on sustainability and value creation. Its contribution to the national
economy has increased through various programs‚ especially in food security‚ water provision‚ and
environmental protection.
Vision
Sustainable environment and natural resources that achieve water security‚ contribute to
food security‚ and improve quality of life.
Mission
The Ministry strives for excellence in developing and implementing comprehensive
policies‚ effective strategies‚ and improved services. It aims to achieve prosperity and
sustainability in the fields of environment‚ water‚ and agriculture by actively involving the
private sector and other relevant entities.
8 9
Table of content
Executive Summary 12
Introduction 14
Purpose of the Report 24

Relevant Stakeholders 24
Methodology for Technology Deployment Roadmap 26

Overview 28
Demand Side of Technologies 28
Supply Side of Technologies 30
Evaluation of Technologies 32
Priority Technologies 34
Irrigation and Water Management 36
Integrated Aquaculture Farm Management 38
Protected Agriculture and Controlled Environment 40
Food Preservation and Valorization of Waste 42
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) and Satellite Imagery 44
Broader Scope Technologies 45
Ministry’s Executive Plan for Deploying Technologies 46
Conclusion 50
Executive Summary
Technology and innovation is playing an This effort involved more than a hundred of technology adoption enablers such as available • Building research and innovation capacities: This
increasing role in achieving national targets in policymakers and technology and innovation infrastructure‚ human resources working in the objective focuses on strengthening the research‚
the environment‚ water and agriculture sectors. experts‚ identified more than 45 challenges and agricultural innovation ecosystem‚ and policies development‚ and innovation capabilities within
Adopting technology and innovation in the opportunities‚ and selected over 100 individual and regulations supporting technology adoption the agriculture sector. The aim is to ensure
a sufficient and continuous local supply of
agricultural sector is becoming essential‚ given technologies categorized into 24 technology and innovation in the sector. It also utilized best
technology products and innovative solutions.
the ambitious national goals for the sector. To families. Based on this‚ 10 technology families were practices of sectoral and national innovation
accomplish these objectives‚ it is crucial to widely chosen for the agriculture sector‚ half of which policymaking recommended by several
implement innovative technologies and practices will be adopted in a first “high priority” activation international organizations.
to address sectoral challenges into opportunities. wave until 2025‚ and the other half in a second‚
subsequent wave. A third‚ future wave will involve The priority measures to promote technology and
This report sheds light on the Ministry’s the adoption of broader technologies beyond the innovation were identified‚ with the aim of achieving
executive plan to promote adoption of innovative initial 10 identified ones. The first-wave technology four main objectives:
technologies and practices in the agriculture sector‚ families are irrigation and water management
and the strategic focus towards adopting priority technologies‚ integrated aquaculture farm • Directing and coordinating efforts: This involves
innovative products and solutions to meet the management‚ protected agriculture and overseeing and managing the plans‚ efforts‚ and
most pressing needs in the agricultural sector. This controlled environment‚ food preservation and resources allocated to adopting technology and
will serve as a guide for institutional measures and waste valorization‚ and unmanned aerial vehicles innovation in the agriculture sector. The focus is
on addressing sectoral challenges in line with
initiatives to ensure the optimal steering of efforts (drones) and satellite imagery technologies.
national research‚ development‚ and innovation
and resources. This report covers these five families in detail by
priorities and the relevant national strategies.
introducing them and explaining the demand
The Ministry followed a detailed methodology to and supply drivers and current barriers to their • Enhancing collaboration and partnerships: The
select priority technologies in the agriculture sector. widespread adoption. The report further touches goal is to improve connections and cooperation
This process began by analyzing the demand on the technologies of the subsequent second and between stakeholders engaged in technology
side for technology and innovation by examining third waves‚ which the Ministry intends to adopt and innovation adoption within the agriculture
the challenges faced by the agricultural sector between 2025 and 2030. sector. This collaborative approach aims to foster
across the value chain and within subsectors. partnerships‚ leverage synergies‚ exchange
Additionally‚ the Ministry considered the expected The Ministry aims to implement several expertise‚ and share knowledge. It also seeks to
raise awareness of the agricultural ecosystem’s
impact of technology and innovation adoption on institutional initiatives to adopt and disseminate
achievements in integrating technology and
addressing these challenges. On the supply side‚ priority technologies in the agricultural sector in
innovation into their plans and operations to
the Ministry surveyed an extensive segment of partnership with relevant stakeholders. These
create positive momentum and ensure the
available technology and innovation solutions and initiatives were developed after a comprehensive
sustainability of these efforts.
refined them based on several criteria. From this‚ survey and analysis of existing efforts in the
the Ministry generated a segment of technologies agricultural sector. The goal is to achieve the • Stimulating technology demand: This involves
and innovations that are ready for adoption and ambitious future aspirations for this sector within increasing the interest and demand for
scaling up. These selected technologies have the Vision 2030. This includes aligning with the technology products and innovative solutions
potential to make the greatest impact and offer national research‚ development‚ and innovation within the agriculture sector. It includes
quick and effective solutions to the most pressing agenda and understanding the Ministry’s role measures and incentives designed to boost
the sector’s willingness to adopt available
challenges in the agricultural sector in the short and within the institutional framework governing it.
technology solutions‚ ensuring that the supply
medium term. Additionally‚ the initiatives consider the current
of technology aligns with the demand.
state of technology adoption and innovation
Development of algae biotechnology‚ King Abdullah
activities in the agriculture sector‚ and the state University of Science and Technology
12 13
Introduction
Technology and innovation are among the most and increasing the sector’s contribution to the methods‚1 while research shows that protected Figure No. [1] shows the most important products
important drivers of economic growth‚ primarily by country’s economic mix.. Secondly‚ the supply agriculture and controlled environment technologies the Kingdom produces in the three main areas of
enhancing the productivity of various sectors. This of innovative solutions has expanded rapidly can use up to 93% less water per kilogram for some the agricultural sector [crops‚ livestock and fish‚
significance is particularly relevant to the agricultural due to advancements in technology. This surge crops compared to drip irrigation in open fields.2 and food]
sector‚ given the challenges of population growth in technological development has opened up
and an increasing demand for agricultural products. promising opportunities to enhance efficiency‚ Furthermore‚ trends in the agricultural technology Figure 1: An overview of the agriculture
The call for innovation in the agricultural sector in increase productivity‚ and promote sustainability market show a clear direction for the sector when it sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
the Kingdom is even more pressing due to its unique in agricultural processes. For instance‚ digital comes to the adoption of technology and innovation.
challenges‚ including the preservation of non- technologies now offer effective solutions to The market value of IoT and smart sensors is
renewable water resources and the arid climate. various agricultural problems‚ advances in materials expected to reach: Crops
science have addressed soil and fertilizer issues‚ and
$33.6 billion by 2032, from $13.6 billion in
Agricultural innovation has several motivations‚ biotechnology has provided natural solutions for 800K Tons 944K Tons
including traditional economic drivers like increased managing agricultural pests. 2022, at a 9.8% CAGR. Wheat Fruits
productivity‚ competitiveness‚ and contribution to
The drone market for agriculture is expected to
GDP‚ as well as strategic drivers like self-sufficiency Evidence shows the impact of technology and grow from: 3050K Tons 1610K Tons
and higher food security. Global events such as the innovation on the productivity of the global Vegetables Dates
COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions further agricultural sector and improved performance of $1.1 billion in 2022 to $7.19 billion in 2032.
underscore the importance of resilient food supplies. agricultural systems. Despite declining agricultural
Finally‚ the global agricultural biotechnology market
workforces compared to past decades‚ sectoral is projected to reach: Livestock and Fish
Agricultural technology and innovation contribute productivity doubled thanks to technology and
in many ways‚ such as providing improved crop innovation‚ raising agriculture’s contribution to the $242.17 billion by 2032, from $106.62
varieties and enabling sustainable practices that global economy. For instance‚ modern technologies billion in 2022.3 5900K Tons 190K Tons
Poultry Fish
have become indispensable in adapting to resource in the United States doubled agricultural output
scarcity and climate change. Innovation also plays threefold between 1948 and 2017 without a These global successes demonstrate the benefits
a supporting role in improving agriculture and rural corresponding increase in inputs. This shift used countries gain from focusing on technology and
312K Tons 2180K Tons
Cattle Sheep
development‚ which impacts societies overall‚ technologies such as GPS and yield monitoring innovation‚ underscoring their importance in
with clear results in improved livelihoods‚ reduced devices. These advancements not only enabled agriculture as a major contributor to food security. It
poverty‚ and less migration to urban areas. growth in production but also resulted in cost savings is worth noting in this context that the top performing
and a reduction in environmental degradation. countries in innovation indicators are also the highest Food
The global agricultural sector has undergone several ranked in food security indicators‚4 confirming the
transformations in recent decades‚ with a growing It is unsurprising that this momentum towards close correlation between innovation and achieving 2380K Tons 361K Tons
emphasis on the integration of technology and innovation in the agricultural sector persists on both food security. Dairy products Eggs
innovation into agricultural practices. This trend can the demand and supply sides‚ especially since market
Source: Ministry of Environment‚ Water and Agriculture‚
be attributed to two primary reasons:: Firstly‚ there is research has shown that some promising technologies
Statistical Book‚ 2022
a growing demand for innovative technologies and can accomplish numerous global targets.
practices to address the mounting challenges faced
by the agricultural sector. For example‚ studies on water management have
demonstrated that automated/smart irrigation
These challenges include water scarcity‚ supply systems can save up to 20% of water utilized in
1 Hussein M Al-Ghobari et al‚ “Automated Irrigation Systems for Wheat and Tomato crops in Arid Regions”‚ Water SA Journal‚ 2017
chain disruptions‚ climate change‚ food security‚ wheat cultivation compared to traditional irrigation
2 Elly Nederhoff and Cecilia Stanghellini‚ “Water Use Efficiency of Tomatoes in Greenhouses and Hydroponics‚ Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses”‚ 2010
3 Infopulse‚ “7 Agriculture Trends”‚ 2023
4 Analysis of ”WIPO“ Global Innovation Index and ”The Economist“ Global Food Security Index
14 15
Figure No. [2] below shows the current aspirations These aspirations will address the diverse However‚ the agricultural sector needs more The Ministry has begun implementing its research
of the agricultural sector and their classification challenges facing the agriculture sector — in the investment in research and development‚ not just and innovation strategic plan extending until 2030‚
according to three main areas: Crops‚ livestock and areas of crops‚ livestock and fish‚ and food‚ and will in the Kingdom but globally. Different countries with the aim to integrate technology and innovation
fish‚ and food. These aspirations were set based on generally contribute to improving sustainability‚ have varying agricultural goals and challenges. into its systems and operational processes across
the results of analyzes of national strategies and cost and accessibility. It is therefore important to focus efforts on the value chain of the environment‚ water‚ and
extensive meetings with stakeholders. technologies that address local problems and agriculture sectors. This will make the environment‚
contribute to achieving national targets. This water‚ and agriculture system the most ready
requires continuous monitoring of the national and capable to embrace and develop innovative
Figure 2: Overview of challenges and opportunities for the agriculture sector context and linking it with the latest technological technologies and practices.
and innovative developments in the agricultural
sector‚ as well as coordinating national efforts The Kingdom has succeeded in efficiently
towards unified goals that add value to this sector. managing its agricultural system in a manner
In addition‚ a supportive framework is required that ensures sustainability of its vital resources
Crops Livestock and Fish Food which includes regular updates to systems‚ a and its water and food security. The development
conducive environment for innovation‚ and a and implementation of a comprehensive national
comprehensive examination of any obstacles. strategy for the sector‚ with ambitious aspirations
Support local production of agricultural and food products in order to replace high level of imported food
Providing ongoing support and guidance is under Vision 2030‚ has helped in this regard.
essential to drive progress in this critical sector. Agricultural GDP exceeded 100 billion riyals for
the first time in 2023‚ and production of protected
Implement efficient technologies and best practices to increase productivity and combat rising
The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has agriculture vegetables increased from 270‚000
production costs (energy, labor and inputs)
given utmost importance to innovation in its vital tons in 2015 to more than 600‚000 tons in 2022.5
sectors‚ believing that technology and innovation Developing alternative fish feeds in aquaculture
Reduce emission levels (incl. CO2, CH4, PM) are key enablers for the growth of these sectors‚ has resulted in cost savings exceeding 30%‚ with
including the agricultural sector. This falls under potential annual cost savings reaching more than
the national innovation priority of environmental 1.5 billion riyals annually.6 The Kingdom has also
Minimize the negative impact of plant pests and animal diseases on sustainability and basic needs‚ which is one of the achieved self-sufficiency in 15 types of vegetables
the agricultural output
four priorities announced by His Royal Highness the and many animal products at rates exceeding 80%.7
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed
Increase the usage of Ensure food production growth to bin Salman. Recognizing the tremendous impact The Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚ and
Increase use of water from address changing demographics
different grades of feeds by
renewable sources and consumption patterns of technology and innovation and the necessity of Agriculture has initiated structural reforms‚
livestock farms
adopting them to achieve future aspirations‚ the regulatory policies‚ and established new entities
Stimulate development of crops Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚ and Agriculture to drive progress. The next pivotal factor for
adapted to KSA challenging
climate conditions
established a Deputyship for Research and advancing the Ministry’s sectors is innovation.
Innovation within its organizational structure to Innovation holds the potential to enhance
activate the Ministry’s role within the national efficiency‚ increase productivity‚ and raise the
Improve soil health and
fertilizer quality frameworks governing the research‚ development‚ sector’s economic contribution. The case studies
and innovation sector. in the following pages point to one global and two
Secure agricultural production local examples where innovation was decisive in
growth without influencing providing effective solutions.
protected areas
5 GASTAT‚ “Agricultural Production Survey Publication”‚ 2021

6 Seafoodsource “Biotech startup NovFeed addressing East Africa›s aquafeed shortage”‚ 2023
7 GASTAT‚ “Agricultural statistics report”‚ 2022.
16 17
Global Success Story
The benefits of using drone

and artificial intelligence (AI )
technologies for strategic
crops and orchards in the
United Kingdom
Two leading technology research institutes By using drones‚ they were able to assess
in the United Kingdom have highlighted more than 20% of the orchard within
the integration of drone technology with AI minutes. Additionally‚ the study showcased
for agricultural purposes. This innovative the ability to enhance orchard productivity
combination has the potential to transform by 10%‚ using aerial imaging. This imaging
the field of agriculture through the use of also to helps detect early disease and thus
advanced computer vision‚ machine learning‚ increases crop productivity by 25%. Secondly‚
and 3D mapping techniques. the study demonstrated the potential for a
major contribution to sustainable agricultural
The collaboration between the two institutes practices‚ aligning with global efforts to
focuses on the synergy between drones and combat climate change. The technology
AI in agriculture. By leveraging advanced played a role in reducing food waste by up
computer vision‚ machine learning‚ and to 50%‚ lowering carbon emissions‚ and
3D mapping‚ the collaboration explored reducing the use of chemicals. The reduction
drones’ capabilities in crop farming and in chemical use was made possible through
fruit orchards. This innovative approach drone spray applications‚ which help decrease
presents the possibility to increase efficiency expensive pesticide and fertilizer use by 25-
and sustainability in this sector. Firstly‚ the 35%. Overall‚ this collaboration highlights
study demonstrated major improvements in the broader impact of integrating drone and
efficiency. The main goal of the collaboration AI technology in agriculture‚ paving the way
was to accelerate inspection activities‚ for a more efficient and sustainable future
which traditionally consume significant time in farming.
and resources.
18 19
Local Success Stories
Aquaculture The Aquaculture Development Program was launched in collaboration between the
Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚ and Agriculture‚ King Abdullah University of Science and
Development Program
Technology‚ and private sector entities. These included Saudi Agricultural & Livestock
Investment Company‚ NEOM‚ Saudi Company for Fishes‚ Aqua Bridge‚ Saudi Company
for Seafood‚ Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia Pacific‚ Tabuk Fish‚ and National
Aquaculture Group.
The program aims to improve the feed conversion ratio and growth rates for existing and
new aquaculture species in Saudi Arabia. The program utilizes alternative feed technology‚
which falls under integrated aquaculture management. Key activities include: Evaluating
current commercial feeds and potential alternative feeds‚ conducting digestibility trials
on alternative feed ingredients and ensuring they meet the broad requirements of
different fish species‚ testing enhanced feed formulations in a controlled environment‚
and testing enhanced feeds in production environments. Measurable outcomes of this
program include reducing feed costs by more than 30% in aquaculture‚ resulting in
potential annual cost savings of more than $400 million (approximately 1.5 billion riyals).
Floating cages in the Aquaculture Development Program‚ Ministry of

Environment‚ Water and Agriculture‚ King Abdullah University of Science
and Technology and private sector entities
The Aquaculture Development Program further aims

to improve the survival rates of aquaculture species
and reduce feed costs by 30% or more annually‚
A laboratory within the Aquaculture Development Program‚ the Ministry of Environment‚ Water and Agriculture‚ King
achieving savings of more than $400 million.
Abdullah University of Science and Technology‚ and private sector entities
20 21
Local Success Stories
Badir
The Badir Smart Farm program is the first smart agriculture program based on hydroponic
vertical farming in Riyadh. The program focuses on using the latest technologies to
Smart Farm
localize imported crops in a more efficient‚ clean and sustainable manner. The crops
of this aquaponic farm (growing plants in water instead of soil) are characterized by
rapid growth and maturation‚ as they grow twice as fast as conventional crops due to
automated climate control‚ smart energy management‚ and specialized LED lighting.
Farm products include basil‚ edible flowers‚ herbs‚ lettuce‚ and microgreens. The farm
has its own program‚ called iFarm Growtune‚ which allows continuous high-precision
temperature monitoring and management of all farm operations‚ from demand forecasts
to sales in simple steps. The program also provides clear instructions for farm staff and
harvest monitoring. Project outcomes include growing all crops using 100% renewable
energy‚ consuming 65% less water compared to traditional farms‚ and producing crops
free of any pollutants‚ pesticides and herbicides.
These successes can be applied on a wider scale to increase the level of agricultural
sustainability‚ by adopting technologies that contribute to achieving national targets‚
and using a systematic approach focusing on improving productivity‚ sustainability‚ and
resilience. Adopting technologies should not be limited to individual innovations‚ but
rather extend to establishing an interconnected‚ evolvable system where its components
can communicate to increase effectiveness and optimize utilization of all expertise
and technologies.
Reverse osmosis purification device in the Badir Smart Farm program‚ Badir Farm
22 23
Purpose of the Report

1
Government institutions: These are responsible for providing regulatory and
strategic support‚ enabling an environment for innovation‚ and ensuring policy
The Ministry aims through this work to develop a the technologies addressing them‚ and ending and standard alignment with sustainable agricultural growth objectives. While
strategic scope built on the agricultural sector’s with executive programs enabling adoption of this report provides an overview of technologies expected to be adopted in the
needs and oriented towards adopting readily these solutions. Kingdom over the next few years‚ several governmental entities play a role
available technical solutions to meet those in facilitating the adoption of these technologies in various aspects‚ such as
needs. The Ministry seeks for this scope to guide The roadmap illustrates the path the Ministry enabling technology providers to enter the Kingdom‚ and ensuring regulatory
institutional interventions and initiatives to ensure aims to take in adopting technologies‚ with tools enable implementation of these advanced technologies.
2
optimal steering of efforts and resources. objectives including confirming the availability of
solutions for many of the challenges facing the Private sector: The private sector is a key partner in this endeavor‚ playing
The report thereby presents a roadmap for agricultural sector‚ and clarifying the Ministry’s various roles in adopting advanced technologies‚ including importing mature
deployment-ready technologies that the Ministry strategic direction for stakeholders playing vital technologies into the Kingdom‚ localizing and developing them‚ and propagating
of Environment‚ Water‚ and Agriculture plans to roles in realizing Saudi Arabia’s ambition towards them locally. Additionally‚ the agricultural private sector is targeted to implement
adopt‚ starting from identifying the problems facing a sustainable agricultural sector. The next section these technologies in its systems and operations. As a major representative of
the Kingdom in the agricultural sector‚ moving to links stakeholders with this report. the demand side targeted in this report‚ it is the driver towards agricultural sector
sustainability and increased effectiveness.
3
Relevant Parties Innovative startups: These small emerging enterprises have sufficient
knowledge to comprehend advanced technologies and implement them on the
The innovative technologies deployment ground. They have the agility to absorb medium-term technology investments
roadmap is the culmination of intensive efforts with economic impact. They can also access specialized innovation financing tools
led by the Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚ and like venture capital funds. Such enterprises play an essential role in introducing
Agriculture with support and contributions from technologies into markets‚ since innovation is at the core of their sectoral activity‚
all agricultural system stakeholders‚ including and their intermediary position between scientific and sectoral systems.
4
government institutions‚ the private sector‚
startups‚ research centers and universities‚ Research centers and universities: They contribute to creating and developing
and investors. technologies in the agricultural sector‚ including researching on applied advanced
technologies‚ adapting these technologies to suit the local environment‚ and
More than 120 experts and specialists from relevant developing them to increase their effectiveness in the future.
5
entities‚ representing about 30 organizations‚
contributed to this report. The project team Investors: These include national and private investment funds‚ angel investors‚
analyzed over 50 survey responses on sectoral financial institutions‚ and more. They play pivotal roles in technology adoption
technologies‚ aligned these technologies with such as financing and monetary support. They mitigate risks for innovators by
more than 10 national strategies‚ and organized enabling them to introduce new products despite high uncertainty. They provide
several workshops and meetings to gain a deeper expertise and guidance for innovators using their market experience‚ facilitate
understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives. market access through commercial and industrial networks‚ and lend credibility
to innovators with markets by adopting their innovations. They also enable
Various entities can benefit from this innovators to scale locally and internationally.
report‚ including:
Glass and air-conditioned greenhouses using the latest

technologies to control the internal environment of the
farm‚ Mishkat
24 25
The effect of using diffused glass as a cover for greenhouses‚ National Center
for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development “Estidamah”
Methodology for Technology

Adoption Roadmap
Designing an accurate and adaptable technology deployment roadmap is a Several factors contribute to this complexity. These include the necessity to anticipate
complex task for several reasons‚ including the accelerating pace of technological emerging technologies and seamlessly integrate them with existing systems. Effective
advancement and market demands. Developing a roadmap for adopting resource allocation‚ along with the capacity to remain flexible in response to new information
innovative technologies requires anticipating future technology trends and or market shifts‚ adds another layer of complexity. Additionally‚ ensuring alignment
aligning them with long-term national ambitions‚ which poses a challenge in among stakeholders introduces further organizational complexities. Consequently‚ the
the fast-changing technology landscape. technology deployment roadmap must balance future visions and adaptability with the
sector’s current state‚ making its design a delicate process.
26 27
Overview Demand Side for Technologies
The comprehensive approach to developing a Demand for technical solutions in the agriculture
technology deployment roadmap consists of sector is driven by several factors‚ including
three core components: First‚ assessing the the challenges for this sector‚ most notably
scale and nature of demand for technology the harsh environmental conditions‚ including
solutions through close communication with water scarcity and hot weather. Transforming
sectors to understand their challenges and this sector also requires finding technical that
demands. Second‚ identifying technologies can facilitate this transformation. Additionally‚
suitably matched to sectors at large‚ resulting the sector has witnessed the introduction
in more than 100 technologies across 24 of several regulations in recent years aimed
families or families for the agriculture sector. at organizing it‚ and it needs innovative
Third‚ agreeing on technology priorities based solutions in the coming years to align it with
on two key criteria: impact on challenges‚ for national ambitions. Finally‚ this sector plays an
instance the technology’s ability to address important and strategic role for the Kingdom
sectoral challenges‚ and ease of adoption of as it deals with food and water security‚ which
these technologies in the Kingdom. Adoptability require national entities to work together and
is critical‚ since a key goal of the technologies consider all available solutions.
is to address the most pressing challenges.
Therefore‚ how quickly a technology could be Therefore‚ it was necessary for the technology
deployed was an important factor in prioritizing adoption roadmap to be based on these national
technology adoption‚ resulting in waves for challenges and urgent needs (demand side) as
adoption. The following subsections focus on well as the opportunities available at the same
these three components. time (supply side). To that end‚ extensive efforts
were undertaken‚ in close cooperation with the
sectors‚ to identify and characterize the most
important challenges. Existing aligned national
strategies tailored to local requirements as well
as sectors’ ongoing efforts greatly facilitated
the work.
To reach the scale and nature of demand

for technical solutions‚ the report began
by characterizing the sectors and dividing
them into several segment according to their
value chain. In the agriculture sector‚ these
segments were crops‚ livestock and fish‚ and
food. The report then precisely determined the
challenges for each segment‚ assessing the
potential of technical solutions for each. Finally‚
the report connected the challenges with the
corresponding technologies‚ concluding in the
creation of maps that represent the demand for
technical solutions. Cultivation of saffron using vertical agriculture‚ National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development “Estidamah”
28 29
Supply Side for Technologies and then design strategic initiatives to enable reviewed by specialized experts‚ who contributed to within the Kingdom.. Thus‚ this report assessed the
their adoption. classifying them into 24 technology families‚ before enablers associated with these technologies based
Efforts to find technical solutions for the agricultural these technologies were evaluated according to the on available facts and information‚ with the results
sector have been ongoing for decades‚ and these To facilitate classifying these technologies‚ the urgency and priorities of the challenges they address reviewed by experts and stakeholders.
solutions vary according to regional needs and national approach used identified an extensive segment of and the ease of their adoption.
orientations. Many attempts have been made to align agricultural technologies‚ then categorized them Figure No. [3] below shows the technological
available agricultural technologies with these needs. into families of technology families‚ with each When determining technology priorities and waves — framework‚ categorized in 24 families — arranged
Since there are a large number of available agricultural family addressing similar problems. For example‚ which is necessary to ensure that the most relevant vertically according to each segment (crops‚ livestock
technologies and some may not be suitable in all all technologies providing irrigation solutions are technologies are adopted for the most pressing and fish) and horizontally according to the elements
cases for national needs‚ it was necessary to develop grouped into one family‚ even if they differ in their challenges — demand and supply for each technology of the value chain in the agricultural sector and
an approach that enables classifying readily available technical fields‚ such as materials science‚ digital were considered.. During this process‚ technologies identifying technologies in the food segment for both
technologies and matching them with sectoral needs applications‚ biotechnology‚ or others. More than that are easier to adopt were prioritized‚ particularly crops‚ and livestock and fish.
in the Kingdom‚ to identify priority technologies‚ 100 technologies in the agriculture sector were those with the potential for growth and expansion
Figure 3: Technological framework for the agriculture sector
Seeding Irrigation Soil Management

Health and Monitoring Waste Management Harvesting Food
Breeding Feeding Farming
21. Supply Chain

1. Protected Agriculture and Controlled Environment 12. Agricultural waste
traceability
management
2. Innovative seeding 3. Precision Agriculture 22. Food safety and QC/QA
Crops
4. Agriculture Biotechnology and Crop Improvement 23. Food loss and waste
7. Fertilizers 24. Alternative food

5. Irrigation and water
management 25. Conventional
8. Fertigation
Food and processing
6. Soil Health Management
9. Conventional Crop
Protection Chemicals
10. Innovative
Crop Protection
11. Drones and Satellites
13. Reproduction 17. Nutrition and 18. Water quality 19. Health monitoring
20. Animals waste
and breeding Feed management management and disease management
management
14. Precision livestock farming
Livestock
and Fish 15. Integrated aquaculture management
16. Recirculating systems
Source: Technological Foresight Center at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
30 31
Technology Assessment
In the technology assessment stage‚ it was important regulations‚ potential for localization through human Based on these two criteria‚ all technology perspectives. This stage utilized several review
to first determine the criteria for evaluation. After capabilities‚ awareness of the technologies’ functions families were evaluated by experts across the methods according to the metrics and reviewers‚
studying several technology evaluation methods and benefits‚ and capacity to absorb the technology. aforementioned metrics‚ and these assessments including individual meetings‚ specialized surveys‚
and applying them to current national requirements‚ underwent several analyzes‚ subsequently and workshops where multiple parties could come
it was clear that the two most important criteria to A comprehensive evaluation of the identified categorizing the technologies into three families together for discussion.
achieve the desired purpose were expected impact of technologies was conducted‚ focusing on the according to impact level (high or medium)
technology deployment‚ and ease of adoption in the expected impact of those technologies and the and ease of adoption (easy to implement or It is worth mentioning that all these methods
Kingdom. The impact of technologies is measured ease of implementation. Impact criteria measure implementable) — starting with the high impact‚ compiled reports from workshops‚ minutes of
through indicators like contribution to achieving sector the role that the selected technology will play easy to implement group‚ while the other families meetings‚ and survey data for the purpose of
strategy targets‚ potential to address local and global in the sector’s strategy‚ address challenges‚ would follow after addressing factors affecting utilizing them in future projects or when re-
challenges‚ and potential role in the Saudi market (for and meet market requirements‚ while ease of their evaluation. evaluating technologies in the future if necessary.
instance‚ increasing productivity or competitiveness). implementation criteria examine the time required
Ease of implementation is measured through for the technology to enter the market‚ barriers to After developing a preliminary list of high priority Figure No. [5] shows the positioning of technology
indicators like the ability to adopt these technologies entering the market‚ and localization possibilities. technologies for adoption‚ this list was extensively families and their deployment based on impact
in the Kingdom based on current infrastructure‚ As shown in Figure No. [4] below reviewed and validated by specialists and potential and ease of implementation criteria. The
availability of supply chains‚ presence of supporting stakeholders to ensure evaluation accuracy and focus will be on adopting the technology families
alignment with sector expectations — scientific included in the first wave‚ and then the second
experts evaluated the technical considerations‚ wave of adoption will be focused on.
Figure 4: Evaluation of technology families
and stakeholders looked at regulatory and industry
Figure 5: Evaluation of technology families

Impact potential Ease of implementation
Impact potential Second First wave
Assessment at technology family level Assessment at technology level, aggregation
at technology family level High wave
Strategic fit • Alignment with sector strategies Time to Assessment of total

to KSA (objectives,programs, initiatives) market time to market for
and priorities technologies
• Contribution to solve
sector challenges
Global Contribution to solve Entry Assessment of technology

challenges global pressing barriers -related entry barriers:
challenges
• Existing Infrastructure
and Supply Chain
• Regulatory
• Deployment complexity
KSA market Potential contribution KSA Assessment of Low Ease of implementation High
demand to KSA market: localization localization potential:
• Revenue increase potential • Adaptability
• Cost reduction • Existing capabilities Technology family
• Productivity • Awareness
improvement
32 33
Priority Technologies
The technology waves were defined based on the methodology mentioned This report provides details on the first wave of technologies planned for adoption in
in the previous section‚ with the first wave comprising five technologies 2024 and 2025‚ discussing the demand side (the challenges these technologies help
targeted for adoption in 2024 and 2025. The second wave also consisted of address)‚ the supply side (the capabilities the Kingdom has in these technologies)‚
five technologies targeted for adoption starting 2025. The broader third wave major challenges they may face during adoption‚ and finally the means to adopting
between 2026 and 2030 will be considered based on readiness for adoption. them. The first wave included the following technology groups:
1
Irrigation and
2
Integrated aquaculture
3
Protected agriculture and
4
Food preservation and
5
Unmanned aerial
water management farm management controlled environment valorization of waste vehicles (drones) and
satellite imagery
34 35
Irrigation and water management
Overview Demand drivers
Irrigation and water management technologies Saudi Arabia is among the most water-scarce
comprise a range of technologies aimed at countries globally‚ ranking eight worldwide‚
improving water use efficiency‚ increasing with non-renewable groundwater comprising
irrigation efficiency‚ and effectively managing about 80% of water consumed in agriculture.
water resources. They target reducing wasteful With increasing pressure on groundwater
water use in irrigation and identifying optimal reserves‚ adopting modern irrigation and water
technologies for each plant and soil type. These management technologies is critical for the
include linear move irrigation (a mechanical sustainability of this sector.
irrigation system that waters crops in a straight
line using sprinkler mechanisms)‚ center pivot Irrigation and water management technologies
irrigation (a mechanical irrigation system for provide water savings compared to open irrigation
large fields or circularly patterned crops using systems. For example‚ drip or partial irrigation can
Using drip irrigation technique to grow lettuce
sprinklers‚ which is suitable for flat lands)‚ drip/ lead to a 10-15%8 reduction in water use while
partial irrigation (an irrigation system delivering increasing crop productivity by up to 35%9 for some
water directly to plant roots in small‚ controlled crops‚ compared to traditional irrigation methods. Supply drivers Barriers to adoption
quantities using a network of pipes dripping or
trickling water)‚ and smart irrigation (systems with Global demand is also rising significantly‚ as The Kingdom has existing projects and clear Barriers to enabling irrigation and water
sensors‚ weather data‚ and internet connectivity evident from the drip/partial irrigation technology interest in irrigation and water management‚ management technologies can be summarized
to monitor and adjust irrigation schedules based market‚ which will more than quadruple in value which played a key role in determining as follows: first‚ educating the agricultural
on real-time conditions). over the next decade‚ from $15 billion in 2022 to technology priorities in this report. For instance‚ ecosystem about the effectiveness of these
$64 billion by 2032.10 institutions like King Abdullah University of technologies which increase productivity and
Science and Technology and Taibah University‚ reduce consumption of groundwater for which
alongside private companies like Almarai‚ are the National Water Company launched its
involved in major R&D activities on irrigation and aforementioned awareness campaign; second is
water management technologies. Advanced the cost of these technologies‚ estimated at around
technologies exist in the Kingdom‚ with increasing $1‚000 per hectare‚12 third is the competition these
adoption of technologies like linear move and technologies face from cheaper‚ unrenewable
drip/partial irrigation.11 Notably‚ a dedicated entity groundwater access for some farmers; and finally
for this field is the National Water Company‚ the weakness of the local industry for irrigation
which has undertaken initiatives and projects pipelines suited to national needs.
to reduce agricultural water consumption‚ like
supplying farmers with water-conserving devices‚
developing the SCADA system for irrigation
project management and operation‚ establishing a
technical center to improve irrigation practices and
methods‚ and launching awareness campaigns
supporting sustainable irrigation.
8 EPA Water Sense‚ “Saving Water with Micro irrigation”‚ 2023

9 R. Kumar‚ S. Kundu‚ B. Kundu‚ N.K. Binu‚ M. Shaji‚ “Emerging typology and framing of climate-resilient agriculture in South Asia”‚ 2021
11 Ghanim‚ Abdulnoor‚ “Water Resources Crisis in Saudi Arabia Challenges and Possible Management Options an Analytic Review”‚ 2019
10 Morgan Stanley‚ “Sustainability Report”‚ 2022
12 Feed the Future‚ “Drip Irrigation in Smallholder Markets: A cross-partnership study”‚ 2016
36 37
Integrated aquaculture farm management
Overview Supply drivers
Integrated aquaculture farm management Saudi Arabia has adopted several national
involves a set of technologies and practices programs to promote aquaculture and fisheries‚
for managing aquaculture operations that including the National Program for Aquaculture
integrate components like site selection‚ species Development‚ in collaboration with King Abdullah
integration‚ nutrient cycling‚ water management‚ University of Science and Technology and several
and biosecurity. It works to promote sustainable private sector companies like Tabuk Fish‚ Saudi
and efficient aquaculture production while Fisheries Company‚ Naqua‚ Tharawat‚ Jazan
minimizing environmental impacts. These Energy and Development and others. Some
technologies include cages (fish or shellfish national universities and research institutes also
raised in mesh enclosures suspended in natural undertake research programs on aquaculture
waters like lakes‚ rivers or coastal areas)‚ flow- technologies‚ and there are several ongoing private
through systems (continuous flow of water to sector initiatives‚ including startups. For instance‚
farmed fish or other aquatic organisms where the Red Sea Development Company developed
water is sourced from natural or artificial water a new intensive aquaculture system leveraging
bodies‚ then flows through culture tanks)‚ and biotechnology to improve water quality‚ treat
aquaponics (an integrated system of aquaculture waste‚ and prevent disease‚ aiming to reach over
and hydroponics‚ where fish and plants are raised 5‚000 tons of production focused on seabream
together in a symbiotic environment; fish waste and shrimp.
provides nutrients for plant growth‚ plants help
purify the water).
Barriers to adoption
Demand drivers Despite significant investments in aquaculture

in the Kingdom‚ capital expenditure is one of the
Aquaculture production in Saudi Arabia is expected biggest barriers for integrated aquaculture farm
to grow rapidly over this decade‚ from 0.14 million management technologies‚ due to the need for
metric tons annually in 2022 to 0.5 million metric relatively specialized‚ large-scale infrastructure.
tons annually by 2030.13 This is enabled by the This report identified investment as a barrier
Red Sea’s suitability for aquaculture and broader given the importance of this technology‚ the
government measures‚ while global demand is need for greater investments as its economic
expected to grow at a slower rate‚ rising from 91 viability is proven and present across companies‚
million tons in 2022 to 114 million tons by 2032.14 and the evident gap between limited supply and
high demand.
13 Ministry of Environment‚ Water and Agriculture‚ National Agriculture Strategy‚ 2020

14 OECD/FAO‚ “OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook”‚ OECD Agriculture statistics‚ 2021 An integrated shrimp production project using aquaculture‚ Naqua
38 39
Protected agriculture and controlled environment
Overview Supply drivers
Protected agriculture and controlled environment The Kingdom is witnessing significant R&D efforts
encompasses technologies that enable growing in protected agriculture and environmental control
plants in a defined space with control over conditions technologies. For example‚ the National Center for
like temperature and humidity. This allows increased Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development
food production‚ water conservation‚ and adapting (NCARD) is undertaking multiple research projects on
to unfavorable environmental conditions like the greenhouses and vertical farming. Additionally‚ some
Kingdom’s hot climate. It is suitable for vegetable research institutions like King Abdullah University
crops and includes all types of artificial protection such of Science and Technology and King Abdulaziz City
as greenhouses (with direct climate and humidity for Science and Technology have launched major
control like HVAC systems or indirect control like research programs on greenhouses. The private
fabric and plastic coverings)‚ hydroponics or soilless sector (including for example Red Sea Farms‚
agriculture (protected agriculture technology AeroFarms‚ Mushkah‚ and Neom Foods) is also
bypassing soil structure to support roots and grow developing experimental and commercial solutions.
crops directly in nutrient-rich water)‚ aeroponics
(growing plants in air or mist environment without Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) programs
using soil or aggregate medium)‚ and vertical farming contribute to accelerating adoption of greenhouse
that enables agriculture in urban areas (growing solutions‚ within its investment plan valued at over
crops in completely enclosed environments on $1 billion by 2025.18
vertical racks using artificial lighting and full control
over environmental conditions).
Demand drivers Current adoption of protected agriculture and

environmental control technologies is limited due
The Kingdom aims to produce 3.4 million tons of to reasons like high initial infrastructure costs‚
vegetables by 2030.15 This may accelerate adoption operating expenses required to control the climate in
of protected agriculture and environmental control greenhouses‚ which may have led to a stereotypical
technologies. Studies show these technologies save perception about greenhouses causing lack of
water by 20-25%16 in vegetable cultivation. awareness of the latest developments in this
technology. As a result‚ local production using this
The global market for these technologies is expected technique is relatively limited.
to grow from $74 billion in 2022 to $387 billion by
2032‚ at a CAGR of 18%.17 Key drivers for this increase
are rising demand for vegetables and the ability to
grow crops in harsh climatic conditions.
15 Ministry of Environment‚ Water and Agriculture‚ National Agriculture Strategy‚ 2020

16 KAUST‚ “Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in the KSA”‚ 2022
17 GlobeNewswire by notified‚ “Controlled Environment Agriculture Market”‚ 2023
18 Ministry of Environment‚ Water and Agriculture‚ 2023 Protected agriculture‚ National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development “Estidamah”
40 41
The combination of UV sterilization and pneumatic

Food preservation and valorization of waste packaging significantly extends the shelf life of a
variety of foods. Dumdum Secrets‚ King Abdullah
University of Science and Technology
Overview
Food loss and waste is a major issue in the food sector‚ consumer behavior‚ limited supply chain efficiency‚
and technologies addressing it provide solutions and inadequate storage facilities.
like converting it into useful applications‚ delaying
food spoilage‚ deterioration or contamination‚ and
extending food shelf life. They enable reducing food Supply drivers
losses and greenhouse gas emissions‚ especially
methane. For instance‚ these technologies can Saudi R&D efforts on food loss and waste
increase the shelf life of food products from seven technologies are still nascent. A few national
to 14 days.19 These technologies can be broadly R&D programs currently focus on innovative food
classified between innovative food preservation preservation (from Taibah University and King
and food loss and waste valorisation. Innovative Faisal University). However‚ food loss and waste
food preservation methods include high pressure valorisation can benefit from additional R&D efforts‚
processing‚ edible coatings‚ smart packaging‚ pulsed especially in composting and anaerobic digestion.
electric fields (using high voltage electric pulses For composting‚ research institutes are undertaking
to kill bacteria)‚ and plasma technology (exposing R&D activities (for example‚ King Abdullah University
food to ionized gases at low temperatures). Food of Science and Technology)‚ alongside the private
loss and waste valorisation includes composting sector (including Tadweer Environment Holding
(treating food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer) Company [Tadweer]‚ Saudi Environmental Works
‚ anaerobic digestion (breakdown of organic waste Company [Sewa]). For anaerobic digestion‚ research
in the absence of oxygen by bacteria decomposing institutes are active in R&D efforts (King Abdullah
the organic matter)‚ and insect bioconversion (using University of Science and Technology‚ King
insects like black soldier fly larvae to consume and Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology‚ King
transform food waste into valuable insect biomass). Saud University)‚ with private sector participation.
Demand drivers Barriers to adoption
Food wastage in the Kingdom is estimated at around The primary barrier for innovative food preservation
33%20 or 4 million tons in 2018‚ exacerbating current is the need to develop a market for the technologies‚
food security challenges. As the Kingdom aims to build local technical capabilities in this area‚ and
increase self-sufficiency‚ addressing food loss and evolve associated regulations and standards. For
waste is imperative. food loss/waste recycling‚ barriers directly relate
to the limited supply side‚ with low demand for
Global food loss and waste is projected to grow converted products due to weaker economics versus
from 1.3 billion tons in 2020 to 2.0 billion tons by current traditional offerings in markets.
2030 (4% CAGR)‚21 primarily driven by market and
19 M. Palumbo‚ G. Attolico‚ V. Capozzi et al.‚ “Emerging Postharvest Technologies to Enhance the Shelf-Life of Fruit and Vegetables: An Overview”‚ MDPI‚ 2022
20 Saudi Grains Orgnization‚ “Saudi FLW Baseline”‚ 2019
21 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)‚ “GLOBAL FOOD LOSSES AND FOOD WASTE”‚ 2011
42 43
Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and satellite imagery
Overview
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) bring health monitoring and mapping field insights.
several advantages to the agriculture sector‚ Similarly‚ the global satellite imagery market in
especially since they can be remotely controlled agricultural activities is expected to grow from
or pre-programmed to fly autonomously. Drones $516 million in 2022 to $1‚083 million by 2032
provide a wide range of services in agriculture‚ (CAGR of 8%)‚23 with crop health monitoring‚ soil
from improving water usage‚ increasing irrigation mapping and forestry among the top applications.
efficiency‚ to more effectively managing water
resources. They also enable other advanced
applications like crop health monitoring (using Supply drivers
aerial imagery to assess crop health and identify
potential issues)‚ soil monitoring (analysing soil Current research into drone and satellite
conditions for nutrient levels‚ moisture content‚ applications in agriculture remains limited.
overall health) or application accuracy (such as for However‚ institutions like King Abdullah University
spraying fertilizers‚ improving resource usage). of Science and Technology and Taibah University
are engaged in R&D activities on drone and satellite
Satellites offer additional applications like remote technology applications in agriculture.
sensing (gathering data about the earth’s surface
without direct physical contact)‚ advanced Adoption of drones and satellites in agriculture and
imagery (using sophisticated imaging techniques other sectors in the Kingdom is notably restricted‚
to enhance monitoring) or communications owing to regulatory constraints detailed in the
(facilitating data transfer between different next section.
components of an agricultural system).
Demand drivers Remote sensing tools for mapping and monitoring plant health using a drone‚
Efforts to use drones in crop management King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Drone and satellite technologies represent are currently limited due to several regulatory
solutions to a wide range of challenges in the constraints. The Ministry is expected to work with
agriculture sector‚ enabling improved crop regulators on developing regulations in the coming
productivity in irrigation‚ soil monitoring‚ crop period. Availability of satellite imagery requires Broader scope technologies
health management‚ and efficiency gains. They are engaging with satellite data providers and precise
directly suitable for medium to large-scale farms. identification of agricultural areas targeted for In addition to the five priority technology families in the first implementation wave‚ 19 other
improvement. Overall‚ deficient R&D efforts and technology families have the potential to mitigate sector challenges in Saudi Arabia. These
The global agricultural drone market is expected regulatory constraints lead to limited adoption of technologies support both specific initiatives (so are tailored for adoption of those technologies)
to grow from $1.8 billion in 2022 to $23.2 billion these technologies. as well as more methodical‚ holistic initiatives.
by 2032 (CAGR of 29%)‚22 driven by real-time crop
The following sections provide an overview of the strategic and implementation plans‚ covering
all suitable technologies for the agriculture sector‚ in addition to the specific initiatives outlined
above for the five technology families in the first wave.
22 Business Wire‚ ”The Global Market for Agriculture Drones“‚ 2022
23 Business Wire‚ ”Global and Regional Satellite Imaging for Agriculture Market“‚ 2023
44 45
Ministry’s Executive
Plan for Adopting and
Disseminating Technologies
The Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚
and Agriculture conducted a review and
analysis of existing efforts in the agriculture
sector to achieve the sector’s ambitious
Based on this‚ current challenges
and gaps were identified. Drawing on
best practices in sectoral and national
innovation policymaking recommended
1
Directing and coordinating plans‚
efforts and resources allocated to
2
Improving connection and cooperation
between stakeholders active in
future aspirations under Saudi Vision 2030. by international organizations including
The analysis covered: Priorities‚ aspirations‚ the Food and Agriculture Organization of adopting technology and innovation adopting technology and innovation
in the agriculture sector. The focus in the agriculture sector to enhance
and the National Agriculture Strategy‚ the United Nations‚ the Organisation for
is on addressing pressing sectoral partnerships and synergies within
in addition to the National Research‚ Economic Co-operation and Development‚
challenges‚ in line with national research‚ the sector and share knowledge. The
Development‚ and Innovation Agenda‚ and the United Nations Conference on development‚ and innovation priorities goal is also to raise awareness of the
the current state of technology adoption Trade and Development (references?)‚ the and relevant national strategies. agricultural ecosystem’s efforts and
and innovation activities in the agriculture scope of priority institutional measures successes in embedding technology and
sector‚ and the state of technology adoption to promote technology adoption and innovation in their plans and operations
to create positive momentum and ensure
and innovation enablers such as available innovation in the sector was defined to
the sustainability of these efforts.
3 4
infrastructure‚ human capabilities working achieve four main goals:
in the agricultural innovation ecosystem‚
and policies and regulations supporting
technology adoption and innovation in
the sector.
Stimulating demand for technology Building research‚ development‚

products and innovative solutions adoption and innovation capacities in
in the agriculture sector and improving the agriculture sector to ensure
demand responsiveness to available sufficient and continuous local
technology supply through deliberate supply of technology products
measures and targeted incentives. and innovative solutions.
46 47
Therefore‚ the Ministry will implement four institutional initiatives

encompassing several carefully designed sub-programs:
Initiative to Technology Adoption and Initiative to Improve Collaboration Initiative to Stimulate Demand for Initiative to Build Agriculture Research,
Innovation Steering and Coordination and Raise Awareness on Technology, Innovative Products and Solutions in Development, and Innovation Capabilities
in the Agriculture Sector, which aims to Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in the Agriculture Sector, which aims to to Ensure Sufficient Local Supply of
the Agriculture Sector, which aims to Innovative Solutions, which aims to
• Establish a transparent and effective governance • Review and develop legislative environments
framework defining the roles and mechanisms • Develop a framework for initiating and managing to address existing barriers constraining • Strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem
required to identify priority innovative solutions technology adoption and innovation partnerships demand for agriculture Research‚ Development in the agriculture sector‚ including developing
aligned with national and sectoral priorities‚ and in the agriculture sector with various potential and Innovation (RDI) technologies and solutions‚ mechanisms to attract financing and investment
engage stakeholders in the ecosystem through partners including government‚ private‚ research through coordination with regulators. towards emerging sector companies‚ establishing
aligning objectives and enabling effective and innovation entities locally and internationally‚ entrepreneur communities‚ addressing
information exchange and collaboration to sustain • Validate priority agriculture technologies
enhancing the efficiency of such partnerships and information barriers and regulatory challenges
technology adoption and innovation activities in and innovations by testing them in real
achieving their intended goals. faced by entrepreneurs‚ and tracking emerging
the sectors. environments for adaptation and deployment
company and market performance in the sector.
• Develop a digital platform containing support suitable for widescale local rollout.
• Develop a mechanism to direct funding from programs‚ research projects‚ advisory services‚ • Facilitatetheestablishmentofdedicatedagriculture
various entities towards technology adoption and • Propose mechanisms and policies to incentivize
Research‚ Development and Innovation (RDI) entrepreneurship spaces and entrepreneurship
innovation activities in the environment‚ water demand for priority agriculture Research‚
outputs and technology adoption‚ news‚ support programs encompassing incubators‚
and agriculture sectors undertaken by public and Development and Innovation (RDI) technologies
events‚ and success stories. This will support accelerators‚ startup studios‚ co-working spaces
private entities in the ecosystem‚ in a performance- and solutions.
communication and connection in the ecosystem. and technical assistance clinics‚ in collaboration
based manner considering alignment with priority • Increase technology absorptive capacity of with relevant stakeholders at national and
innovative solutions for the environment‚ water‚ • Plan and launch competitions and awards end-users in the agriculture sector to improve sector levels.
and agriculture sectors‚ and balancing institutional for technology adoption and innovation‚ in adoption of innovative products and solutions
and project financing. collaboration with relevant entities‚ to promote a and boost market demand. • Establish intermediary innovation organizations
culture of research‚ development‚ innovation‚ and to bridge the gap between the agriculture sector
• Develop and activate tools to measure and monitor technology adoption‚ and disseminate success and research/academia‚ such as technology
the performance of the agriculture ecosystem in stories in the sector for inspiration. development centers‚ technology valleys‚
technology adoption and innovation‚ and provide technology transfer offices‚ etc.
evidence-based visions and recommendations • Raise awareness on the efforts of the environment‚
on the current state of technology adoption and water‚ and agriculture ecosystem in technology • Develop institutional policies and frameworks for
innovation activities in the sector to support adoption and innovation by publishing periodic technology management and intellectual property
decision-making processes. reports on prominent platforms about the protection in the agriculture sector‚ and collaborate
agriculture innovation ecosystem’s key with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property to
• Develop an institutional technology foresight achievements and aspirations. develop relevant national IP policies pertaining to
program to provide regular insights on potential the sector.
technologies and innovative solutions that • Organize events and exhibitions to provide a
might be suitable to address challenges and platform for local and international R&D entities • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the
leverage opportunities in the agriculture sector‚ and technology providers to showcase their education and skills development ecosystem to
and support planning processes and institutional products to potential investors and buyers‚ launch tailored programs focused on developing
policy proposals. facilitating partnerships and encouraging capabilities that contribute to technology adoption
innovation and uptake of the latest technologies in and innovation in the agriculture sector‚ and develop
• Collaborate with the Research‚ Development‚ the agriculture sector. institutional programs to build specialized skills of
and Innovation Authority to prepare detailed Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚ and Agriculture
implementation plans for national research‚ employees through tailored training programs.
development and innovation tasks relevant to the
agriculture sector.
48 49
Conclusion
Technologies play a critical role in addressing Given the complexity of the environment‚ water‚
challenges faced by the agriculture sector‚ and agriculture ecosystem‚ and the multitude of
including the pressing need to increase stakeholders in the agriculture sector‚ the report
productivity‚ conserve natural resources‚ adapt to considered the national and sectoral strategies
arid environmental conditions and water scarcity‚ of the agriculture and national innovation
and deal with agricultural diseases and pests ecosystems. It also incorporated the perspectives
while maintaining ecological balance. Innovative of the Ministry’s sector representatives‚ through a
technologies enable finding sustainable solutions series of meetings and workshops with more than
to these problems‚ as well as create numerous 30 entities‚ taking into account the views of over 120
opportunities to increase the agriculture sector’s experts and specialists at all preparation stages.
contribution to economic output and achieve high
levels of food and water security. In publishing this report‚ the Ministry of
Environment‚ Water‚ and Agriculture has several
This report sought to demonstrate the role of objectives. Firstly‚ it aims to demonstrate its
technology adoption and innovation in solving strategic direction towards adopting technologies
challenges in the Kingdom’s agriculture sector‚ that address sectoral challenges. It also seeks
citing international and local examples of to explain its implementation plan to deploy
agricultural innovation where technologies played these technologies. The report defines its four
a decisive role in providing solutions. Its key key objectives: Steering and coordinating plans‚
objective was to map the challenges faced by the efforts‚ and resources allocated to technology
Kingdom in the environment‚ water and agriculture adoption and innovation in the agriculture sector
sectors to readily available technology solutions‚ within a focused strategic scope. This scope
and outline the Ministry’s implementation plan to targets the resolution of sectoral challenges.
adopt and deploy these technologies in the short Improving connectivity and cooperation between
and medium term. players in the agriculture research‚ development‚
and innovation ecosystem. This cooperation aims
The report followed an objective methodology to to build positive momentum in the sector‚ ensuring
The AI-powered imaging system called “BaL XelpituM“Rapid automated phenotyping of seed germination and root growth‚ King
produce a list of technologies with high readiness the sustainability of efforts. Stimulating demand
Abdullah University of Science and Technology
that provide solutions for the agriculture sector‚ for adopting innovative products and solutions
starting by identifying the challenges faced by this in the agriculture sector. This includes improving
sector in the Kingdom‚ dividing the sector into four the sector’s responsiveness to available supply The Ministry firmly believes in the importance of Finally‚ the Ministry of Environment‚ Water‚
families: crops‚ livestock and fish‚ and food. It then through targeted interventions and incentives. collaborative work and its necessity to achieve and Agriculture expresses its sincere gratitude
looked at available technologies and categorized Building agriculture research and innovation national targets‚ and invites all its partners across to all who contributed to this report‚ including
them into technology families according to these capabilities to ensure sufficient and continuous agriculture sector stakeholders to contribute to its ecosystem partners‚ the team of experts
sector segments before prioritizing them based supply of innovative products and solutions. the implementation of this plan. The Ministry who offered their invaluable expertise‚ and the
on the impact of these technologies and the ease The final aim is building agriculture research aspires for this report to be an enabler in adopting dedicated efforts of the Research and Innovation
of their adoption and deployment. This resulted in and innovation capabilities to ensure sufficient innovative solutions that help overcome Deputyship team in developing and editing
three technology waves that the Ministry intends and continuous supply of innovative products challenges faced by ecosystem players‚ and this report.
to adopt in the coming years. and solutions. make possible the realization of ambitions and
national targets for the environment‚ water‚ and
agriculture sectors.
50 51
Appendix
A sample of growing lettuce using hydroponics‚

National Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Research and Development “Estidamah”
52 52 53
Localization and definition of technologies

English Technology Group English Description English Technology Examples Arabic Technology Examples Arabic Description Arabic Technology Group
1 Protected agriculture Modern farming method creating controlled Vertical/Urban Farming ‫الزراعة العمودية‬ ‫أسلوب زراعي حديث يقوم بإنشاء مساحات محكمة لزراعة‬ ‫الزراعة المحمية والتحكم البيئي‬ 1
and controlled spaces for crop cultivation. It involves Hydroponics ‫ يتضمن حماية اصطناعية وتنظيم ظروف‬.‫اإلنتاج النباتي‬
‫الزراعة المائية‬
environment (PACE ) artificial protection, regulating conditions ‫الزراعة مثل درجة الحرارة والرطوبة‬
like temperature and moisture. Aeroponics ‫الزراعة دون تربة‬
Plasticulture/ Row ‫األغطية القماشية والبالستيكية‬
cover/ Polytunnel
)‫البيوت المحمية (األخضر أو الدفيئة‬
Integrated greenhouse (including ،‫المتكاملة (بما في ذلك إنترنت األشياء‬
IoTs, innovative cooling systems, ‫ واستخدام‬،‫وأنظمة التبريد المبتكرة‬
and desalinated water usage ) ‫المياه المحالة‬
2 Innovative seeding Technologies and approaches used in Mechanical seeding ‫البذر الميكانيكي‬ ‫التقنيات واألساليب المستخدمة في الزراعة لتحسين‬ ‫الزراعة والبذور المبتكرة‬ 2
agriculture to improve the process of planting ‫إنتاج البذور‬/‫البنك الحيوي للبذور‬ ‫عملية زراعة البذور وتعزيز إنتاج البذور‬
Seeds bio-bank/seeds production
seeds and enhance seed production
3 Precision agriculture Robotics and other automated solutions Targeted pesticide spraying ‫رش مستهدف للمبيدات الحشرية‬ ‫الروبوت والحلول اآللية األخرى ألتمتة العمليات المختلفة‬ ‫الزراعة الدقيقة‬ 3
for different processes automation across ‫روبوت للتلقيح‬ ‫عبر سلسلة القيمة‬
Robotics for pollination
value chain
Laser scarecrows ‫فزاعات الليزر‬
Self-driving tractor ‫جرار ذاتي القيادة‬
4 Agriculture biotechnology Genetic modification for desired traits Mutation breeding ‫تكاثر الطفرات‬ ‫التعديل الوراثي لتطوير السمات المرغوبة في النباتات‬ ‫التقنية الحيوية الزراعية‬ 4
and crop improvement development in plants (for example, crop ‫اختبار اإلشعاع‬ )‫اآلفات‬/‫( مثل إنتاجية اإلنتاج النباتي ومقاومة الجفاف‬ ‫وتحسين المحاصيل‬
Radiation testing
yields, draught/pest resistant crops )
Bio-nanotechnology ‫تقنية النانو الحيوية‬
Molecular diagnostics ‫التشخيص الجزيئي‬
Molecular breeding ‫التعديل الجيني‬
5 Irrigation and Range of systems designed to optimize Subsurface irrigation ‫الري تحت السطح‬ ‫مجموعة من األنظمة المصممة لتحسين استخدام‬ ‫الري وإدارة المياه‬ 5
water management water use, enhance irrigation efficiency, and ‫بالتنقيط‬/‫الري الجزئي‬ ‫ وإدارة الموارد المائية بفعالية‬،‫ وزيادة كفاءة الري‬،‫المياه‬
Micro/drip irrigation
effectively manage water resources
Smart irrigation (including ‫ وتحليالت‬،‫الري الذكي (بما في ذلك األتمتة‬
automation, data analytics, ،‫ والصمامات‬،‫ والذكاء االصطناعي‬،‫البيانات‬
AI, valves ) )‫وما إىل ذلك‬
Soil moisture sensors and IoTs ‫أجهزة استشعار رطوبة التربة وإنترنت األشياء‬
6 Soil health management Technologies that help reduce water Light intensity ‫شدة الضوء‬ ‫ وتنظيم‬،‫التقنيات التي تساعد عىل تقليل تبخر الماء‬ ‫إدارة صحة التربة‬ 6
evaporation, regulate moisture level, ‫التحميل أو الزراعة البينية‬ .‫ وما إىل ذلك‬،‫ والحرث األمثل‬،‫مستوى الرطوبة‬
Intercropping
optimal tillage
High density plantations ‫مزارع عالية الكثافة‬
Permaculture ‫الزراعة المعمرة‬
Agrivoltaics ‫نظام الزراعة الكهروضوئية‬
Water absorbents ‫ماصات الماء‬
Moisture and fertility conservation ‫الحفاظ عىل الرطوبة وخصوبة التربة‬
Cover crops ‫محاصيل التغطية‬
Conservation tillage ‫حراثة حافظة‬
Crop residue management ‫إدارة بقايا المحاصيل‬
Double cropping ‫زراعة ثنائية المحصول‬
Sequential cropping ‫زراعة محاصيل متسلسلة‬
Crop residue protection ‫حماية بقايا المحاصيلي‬
54 55
7 Fertilizers Technologies that help feed plants Nano-fertilizers (nano- ‫األسمدة النانوية ( محفوظة‬ ‫التقنيات التي تساعد عىل تغذية النباتات بشكل أكثر كفاءة‬ ‫األسمدة‬ 7
more efficiently like release-controlled capsulated ) )‫بكبسوالت نانويه‬ ‫ واألسمدة‬،‫مثل األسمدة التي يتم التحكم في إطالقها‬
fertilizers, nano-fertilizers Soil mycorrhizal technologies ‫تقنيات فطريات التربة‬ ‫ وما إىل ذلك‬،‫النانوية‬
Microbial solutions (biofertilizers ) )‫المحاليل الميكروبية ( األسمدة الحيوية‬

Controlled release fertilizers ‫األسمدة المتحكم بتحريرها‬
Enhanced efficiency fertilizers ‫األسمدة معززة الكفاءة‬
8 Fertigation Technologies that help feed plants with Liquid fertigation ‫التسميد السائل‬ ‫التقنيات التي تساعد عىل تغذية النباتات بمزيج من‬ ‫التسميد بالري‬ 8
a combination of nutrients through an Solid fertigation ‫التسميد الصلب‬ ‫العناصر الغذائية من خالل نظام الري‬
irrigation system
Micro/Drip fertigation ‫ بالتنقيط‬/ ‫التسميد الجزئي‬
Subsurface drip ‫التنقيط تحت السطح‬
9 Conventional crop Chemical substances designed and utilized in Herbicides ‫مبيدات األعشاب‬ ‫المواد الكيميائية المصممة والمستخدمة في الزراعة‬ ‫المواد الكيميائية التقليدية‬ 9
protection chemicals agriculture to protect crops from threats like Insecticides ‫المبيدات الحشرية‬ ‫لحماية اإلنتاج النباتي من التهديدات مثل اآلفات واألمراض‬ ‫لحماية المحاصيل‬
pests, diseases, and unwanted plants ‫والنباتات غير المرغوب فيها‬
Fungicides ‫مبيدات الفطريات‬
Nematicides ‫مبيد الممسودات‬
10 Innovative crop protection Genetically modified pests, pest-resistant Genetic engineering for ‫الهندسة الوراثية لمقاومة اآلفات‬ .‫ والنباتات المقاومة لآلفات‬،‫اآلفات المعدلة وراثيا‬ ‫حماية المحاصيل المبتكرة‬ 10
plants Microbial solutions — biopesticides pest resistance ‫المبيدات الحيوية‬ ‫المحاليل الميكروبية — المبيدات الحيوية‬
(bacteria, fungi ) Biopesticides )‫(االبكتيريا والفطريات‬
‫تدخل الحمض النووي الريبي‬
RNA interference ‫الحلول الميكروبية‬
Microbial solutions
11 Drones and satellites Drones are remote-controlled flying devices Crop health monitoring ‫مراقبة صحة المحاصيل‬ ‫الطائرات بدون طيار هي أجهزة طيران تتحكم عن بعد‬ ‫األقمار الصناعية والطائرات‬ 11
for tasks like surveillance and delivery. ‫مراقبة التربة‬ ‫ التي‬،‫ األقمار الصناعية‬.‫ألغراض مثل المراقبة والتوصيل‬ ‫بدون طيار‬
Soil monitoring
Satellites, orbiting in space, enable global ‫ تمكن االتصال العالمي ورصد الطقس‬،‫تدور في الفضاء‬
Advanced imagery ‫الصور المتقدمة‬ ‫ وتلعب أدواًرًا حيوية في مختلف الصناعات‬،‫والتنقل‬
communication, weather monitoring,
and navigation Remote sensing ‫االستشعار عن بعد‬
Communication ‫االتصال‬
12 Agricultural Technologies to transform crop residuals Windrow composting ‫التسميد بالتكويم‬ ‫طاقة‬/‫تقنيات تحويل مخلفات اإلنتاج النباتي إىل منتجات‬ ‫إدارة النفايات الزراعية‬ 12
waste management into useful products/energy using Static pile ‫كومة ثابتة‬ ‫مفيدة باستخدام طرق مختلفة‬
different methods
Container composting ‫التسميد بالحاويات‬
Anaerobic composting ‫التسميد الالهوائي‬
Combustion and ‫االحتراق والتحويل الحراري‬
thermal conversion ‫عمليات التكرير الحيوي‬
Bio-refining processes ‫التحويل البيوكيميائي‬
Biochemical conversion
56 57
13 Reproduction and breeding Classical breed management, genomics Animal genomics ‫التعديل الجيني في الحيوانات‬ ‫ وعلم جينوم الماشية‬،‫إدارة السالالت الكالسيكية‬ ‫التكاثر واالنتاج‬ 13
of livestock for desired traits (for Gene editing in animals ‫التحرير الجيني‬ ‫للسمات المرغوبة‬
example, yield )
In-vitro fertilization ‫التلقيح االصطناعي‬
DNA marker assisted ‫التلقيح اآللي‬
selection (MAS ) ‫شرح الجينوم‬
Gene prediction ‫التخصيب في المختبر‬
Genetic annotation ‫التحديد بمساعدة عالمة الحمض النووي‬
Artificial insemination ‫الجينوم الحيواني‬
Automated insemination
Breeding optimization ‫الفقس الميكانيكي‬ ‫الروبوت والحلول اآللية األخرى ألتمتة العمليات المختلفة‬ ‫تربية المواشي النموذجية‬ 14
‫التغذية اآللية‬ ‫المزارع السمكية‬/‫عبر سلسلة قيمة الثروة الحيوانية‬
14 Precision livestock farming Robotics and other automated solutions Mechanical hatching ‫تغذية دقيقة‬
for different processes automation across Automated feeding
livestock/fishery value chain ‫التنظيف اآللي‬
Precision feeding ‫معالجة الذبيحة‬
Automated cleaning ‫أنظمة التغليف اآللي‬
Carcass processing
Automated packaging systems ‫أعالف األسماك البديلة( مثل‬ ‫تنمية أنواع مختلفة من األسماك في المزارع المائية مع‬ ‫اإلدارة المتكاملة لالستزراع المائي‬ 15
)‫الطحالب والبكتيريا‬ ‫التحكم بالبيئة‬
15 Integrated Development of multiple fish species in Alternative fish feed (for example, ‫أقفاص عائمة‬
aquaculture management controlled space farms (such as caged ) fish feed for algae and bacteria ) ‫أنظمة إعادة تدوير المياه‬
Floating cages ‫أنظمة التدفق‬
Recirculating systems ّ
)‫المرّكبة ( أكوابونيكس‬ ‫الزراعة المائية‬
Flow through systems ‫التقنيات الداعمة األخرى ( مثل إنترنت‬
Aquaponics )‫األشياء وأجهزة االستشعار والتقنية الحيوية‬
Other supporting technologies
(such as IoTs and sensors, biotech ) ‫تنقية مبتكرة للمياه‬ ‫أنظمة الحلقة المغلقة التي تعمل عىل إعادة تدوير المياه‬ ‫أنظمة إعادة التدوير‬ 16
‫أنظمة األكسجة‬ ‫ مما يقلل الحاجة إىل تغيير وتجديد المياه في‬،‫ومعالجتها‬
16 Recirculating systems Closed-loop systems that recycle and Innovative water purification ‫مزرعة األسماك‬
‫أنظمة مبتكرة للترشيح‬
treat water‚ minimizing the need for water Oxygenation systems
exchange on a fish farm
Innovative filtration systems ‫تقنية البثق أو النبط‬ ‫تقنيات لترشيد تكاليف أعالف الحيوانات واستبدالها وما‬ ‫إدارة التغذية واألعالف‬ 17
)‫بروتينات بديلة ( الحشرات‬ )‫إىل ذلك ( من قبيل علف الطحالب‬
17 Nutrition and Technologies to reduce costs of animal feed Extrusion technology
‫بقايا المحاصيل‬
feed management or substitute it (for instance algae feeding ) Alternative Proteins (insects )
‫علف الطحالب‬
Crop residues
‫إنزيمات أعالف طبيعية‬
Algae feeding
‫تكوير‬
Natural feed enzymes
Pelleting ‫أنظمة التهوية‬ ‫تقنيات مراقبة وإدارة المحتوى المائي( مثل مستويات‬ ‫إدارة جودة المياه‬ 18
‫التعقيم باألشعة فوق البنفسجية‬ )‫العوالق النباتية والمغذيات واألكسجين وما إىل ذلك‬
18 Water quality management Technologies to monitor and manage water Aeration systems
‫التطهير‬
content (such as phytoplankton, nutrient, UV Sterilization
oxygen levels )
Purification
58 59
19 Health monitoring and Innovative vaccines and vaccination Rotational grazing ‫الرعي الدوراني‬ ‫اللقاحات وطرق التطعيم المبتكرة والحلول الرقمية‬ ‫مراقبة الصحة وإدارة األمراض‬ 19
disease management methods‚ digital and automated solutions Electric fencing ‫تسييج كهربائي‬ ‫واآللية في األمن الحيوي‬
in biosecurity
Weather stations ‫محطات الطقس‬
Vaccines and vaccination ‫اللقاحات والتطعيم‬
Innovative biosecurity ‫األمن الحيوي المبتكر‬
20 Animals waste management Different technologies to capture and utilize Covered anaerobic lagoons ‫البحيرات الالهوائية المغطاة‬ ،‫تقنيات مختلفة اللتقاط واستخدام الغاز الحيوي للماشية‬ ‫إدارة النفايات الحيوانية‬ 20
livestock biogas and biomaterials waste Plug flow digester ‫الهضم بسد التدفق‬ ‫ وما إىل ذلك‬،‫ونفايات المواد الحيوية‬
Two-stage digestion ‫الهضم عىل مرحلتين‬
21 Supply chain traceability RFID tags‚ GPS tracking‚ etc. to trace Blockchain traceability/ ‫ المستودع الذكي‬/‫تتبع البلوك تشين‬ ‫ وتتبع‬،DIFR ‫وسوم تحديد الهوية بموجات الراديو‬ ‫إمكانية تتبع سلسلة التوريد‬ 21
agriculture/food products across the smart depository ‫أجهزة تتبع‬/‫أجهزة استشعار‬ ‫ لتتبع‬،‫ وما إىل ذلك‬،SPG ‫نظام تحديد المواقع العالمي‬
value chain Traceability sensors/devices ‫الغذائية عبر سلسلة القيمة‬/‫المنتجات الزراعية‬
22 Food safety and QC/QA Technologies to increase shelf life of foods‚ High-pressure processing ‫معالجة الضغط العالي‬ ‫ وتقليل مخاطر‬،‫تقنيات لزيادة فترة صالحية األغذية‬ /‫سالمة األغذية ومراقبة الجودة‬ 22
reduce/eliminate disease risk‚ including Innovative methods ‫ بما في ذلك أدوات‬،‫األمراض أو القضاء عليها‬ ‫ضمان الجودة‬
‫طرق وتجميعات مبتكرة‬
testing instruments and methods and combinations ‫االختبار وطرقه‬
‫تقنية البالزما الباردة‬
Cold plasma technology
23 Food preservation and Technologies to preserve food for longer Composting ‫التسميد العضوي‬ ‫تقنيات لزيادة العمر االفتراضي لألغذية وتقنيات لتحويل‬ ‫حفظ األغذية واستخراج قيمة مضافة‬ 23
extraction of value-added storage times, and treat food waste Anaerobic digestion ‫النفايات الغذائية‬ ‫من الفاقد‬
‫الهضم الالهوائي‬
from food waste into useful applications (for instance
energy production ) Insect-based conversion ‫التحويل القائم عىل الحشرات‬
High pressure ‫استخدام الضغط المرتفع‬
processing ‫أغلفة صالحة لألكل‬
Edible coating ‫التعبئة والتغليف المبتكر‬
Innovative packaging ‫المجال الكهربائي النبضي‬
Pulsed electric field ‫تقنية البالزما‬
Plasma technology
‫استزراع الحشرات‬ ‫أساليب مبتكرة في إنتاج واستهالك الطعام تتجاوز‬ ‫األغذية البديلة‬ 24
24 Alternative food Involve innovative methods in food Insects farming ‫أغذية المختبر‬ ‫الطرق التقليدية‬
production and consumption that deviate Lab-grown foods
from conventional approaches ‫اللحوم البديلة‬
3D food printing ‫التخمير الدقيق‬
Cultured diary ‫الطباعة ثالثية األبعاد لألغذية‬
Plant-based meat alternatives
60 61
Report participants
MEWA project management team
Dr. Abdulaziz Dr. Motaz Dr. Abdullah Dr. Zeyad Dr. Ali Mohammed Shaikha Hussain Thamer Mohammed Maria Ayed
Almalik Alsolaim Alraddadi Alzeyadi Alzeyadi Algahtani Tawhari Algohfaily Algomez Al-Qarni
Deputy Minister General Manager Senior Advisor, General Manager of Director General Projects Environmental Project Manager Office Manager Administrative team
of Research of Innovation & Research, Development Research & Knowledge of the Department Coordinator Protection Specialist
& Innovation Modern Technology & Innovation of Entrepreneurship
Dr. Khalid Dr. Mohamed Mazen Abdulziz Dr. Ahmad Dania Abdulaziz Nada Lafi Abeer Sweid Abdul Rahman Fahd Abdul Rahman
Nasser Dehaish Alfageeh Algarni Alsuwailem Alnafessah Almudayhish Al-Harbi Abdali Ali Asiri Al Ali
Senior Advisor, Senior Director of Scouting Advisor Advisor Administrative team Administrative team Administrative team Administrative team Administrative team
Research, Expert, Research & Empowering
Development Development Innovation & New
& Innovation & Innovation Technologies Department
Laila Eng. Akif Hanadi Adeem Amjad Marwan Saad

Ghazwani H. Hashim Alqahtani Almashaali Albishri Al-Atni
Consultant Project Manager Senior Specialist Legal Specialist Statistician Administrative team
Agriculture sector Experts in the agricultural sector
Eng. Ahmed Saleh Dr. Suliman Ali Dr. Ali Dr. Mohammed Dr. Bandar Dr. Yousef Dr. Mamdooh Suliman Mohammad
Aiadh AlKhamshi Al-khateeb Alshaikhi Abdullateef Alsaqhan Alhafedh Alsharari AlGtily Almutari
Deputy Minister for Director General Plant Assistant Deputy Assistant Deputy Assistant Deputy Vice President Deputy General Manager General Manager Deputy General
Agriculture Affairs Resources Saudi Minister of Agriculture Minister of Agriculture Minister of Agriculture of Research of Animal Production of Marketing & Manager of
Ministry of Environment, & Development Agricultural Associations Plant Resources
Water, and Agriculture
(MEWA ), KSA
62 63
Government Entity NGO University
Dr. Ali Namazi Rayan AlBuraidi Dr. Basmah Albuhairan Faisal Tamimi Dr. Bander Alfaifi Dr. Thamer Albahkali
KACST Communication space & technology RDIA MiSK Foundation The Food and Agriculture Organization KSU
commission (CST )
Dr.Mobarak Almosallam Dr. Rami Alneyazi Mohammed Almutawaa Pedro Guemes Dr. Hanan Alotaibi
KACST Abdulmohsen AlAjlan RDIA MiSK Foundation The Food and Agriculture Organization KSU
Communication space & technology
commission (CST )
Dr. Mohammed Alotaibi Alanoud Alabdulwahed Dr. Ihsan Haq Dr. Khalid Alhussaini
KACST Ministry of Communications & The Food and Agriculture Organization KSU
Meshaal Alzohrah Information Technology (MCIT )
Communication space & technology
Dr. Meshal Almutairi Dr. Norah AlHaqbani
commission (CST )
KACST Almaha Albulaihe KSU
Ministry of Communications &
Hanan Alsalamah Information Technology (MCIT )
Hany Alassaf
Digital Government Authority — DGA
KACST
Munira Alotai Private Sector Innovation Hub
Khalid Almuraee Ministry of Communications &
Saeed Shami
Digital Government Authority — DGA Information Technology (MCIT ) Sahal Al Musaed Mohammed Hamed Al-Shayea Hasan Khared
The Food and Agriculture Organization
ARASCO Al-Watania Poultry Riyadh Valley Company
Moath Alzahrani Hani Alhemsi
Ahmed Almajed
Digital Government Authority — DGA Ministry of Communications & Tariq Almegran Abdualaziz Alghmadi Khalid Alzahrani
Communication space & technology Information Technology (MCIT )
ARASCO Roshn Riyadh Valley Company
commission (CST )
Ali Alghamdi Ashwaq Al-Shathri Marwah Alkharfy

ARASCO Microsoft Riyadh Valley Company
Sister Entity
Shabbir Alam Raed Al-Zahrani Mohammed alsadaan
Dr. Hamad Albatshan Dr. Mohammed Alnowairan Mohammad Al-Fauzan NAQUA Microsoft Riyadh Valley Company
SALIC — food security National Center for Palms & Dates General Food Security
Authority (GFSA )
Abbas Khan Zainab Al-Amin Osama Alsini
Mshari Alhudaib Maryam Al-Asmari Tanmiah Microsoft Taibah Valley
SALIC — food security National Center for Palms & Dates Moath Al Shafei
General Food Security
Muhammad Tariq Saeed alqahtani Alanoud Alkayyal
Authority (GFSA )
Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Qasim Dr. Budour Alghamdi Tanmiah Microsoft Taibah Valley
Agriserv — The National Company Estidamah
for Agricultural Services Adil Aljoma
Ahmed Gaber Bruno D’Olivia Dr. Fisal Albalwy
Agriculture Development Fund (ADF )
Hamoud Alnughaymishi Aljouf Red Sea Farms Taibah Valley
Dr. Muhammad Al-Khereiji Estidamah
Weqaa — National Center for Faten mishkhas
Sarhan Al Seab Abdulkareem Alsalamah Dr. Nada Almarwani
Prevention and Control of Plants and Agriculture Development Fund (ADF )
Dr. Khalid Al Rohily Aljouf Albustan Taibah Valley
Animals Diseases
Estidamah
Mohammed Alrsasmah
Fahad Nasser Abukhalil Fahad A. Alohali Abdullah Alohli
Dr. Adil Abdelnour Alohali Holding IOT squared
Weqaa — National Center for
Prevention and Control of Plants and Estidamah
Dr. Mohammed Albugmy
Animals Diseases
Jabr Alharthi Eng. Abdulmohsen Alabdulkarim
Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Saghir Almarai IOT squared
Faisal Abdulaziz Bushlaibi Estidamah
National Center for Palms & Dates
Mohammed Alresheid Mohammed Almaalouhi
Mohamed Al harbi Jazadco Qatf
Faisal Abdulaziz Bushlaibi Estidamah
National Center for Palms & Dates
64 65

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Innovation in the

The Kingdom’s leadership believes in the

His Excellency Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al Mushaiti

Deputy Minister for Deputy Minister

About the Report

Agricultural Innovation in the Environmental Innovation in Water Innovation in the

About the Ministry of Environment,

Purpose of the Report 24

Methodology for Technology Deployment Roadmap 26

Ministry’s Executive Plan for Deploying Technologies 46

5 GASTAT‚ “Agricultural Production Survey Publication”‚ 2021

Global Success Story

The benefits of using drone

Local Success Stories

Floating cages in the Aquaculture Development Program‚ Ministry of

The Aquaculture Development Program further aims

Local Success Stories

Purpose of the Report

Glass and air-conditioned greenhouses using the latest

Methodology for Technology

Overview Demand Side for Technologies

To reach the scale and nature of demand

Figure 3: Technological framework for the agriculture sector

Seeding Irrigation Soil Management

21. Supply Chain

7. Fertilizers 24. Alternative food

6. Soil Health Management

11. Drones and Satellites

14. Precision livestock farming

16. Recirculating systems

Figure 5: Evaluation of technology families

Strategic fit • Alignment with sector strategies Time to Assessment of total

Global Contribution to solve Entry Assessment of technology

Irrigation and water management

Overview Demand drivers

8 EPA Water Sense‚ “Saving Water with Micro irrigation”‚ 2023

Integrated aquaculture farm management

Overview Supply drivers

Demand drivers Despite significant investments in aquaculture

13 Ministry of Environment‚ Water and Agriculture‚ National Agriculture Strategy‚ 2020

Protected agriculture and controlled environment

Overview Supply drivers

Demand drivers Current adoption of protected agriculture and

15 Ministry of Environment‚ Water and Agriculture‚ National Agriculture Strategy‚ 2020

The combination of UV sterilization and pneumatic

Demand drivers Barriers to adoption

Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and satellite imagery

Stimulating demand for technology Building research‚ development‚

Therefore‚ the Ministry will implement four institutional initiatives

A sample of growing lettuce using hydroponics‚

Localization and definition of technologies

Self-driving tractor ‫جرار ذاتي القيادة‬

Molecular diagnostics ‫التشخيص الجزيئي‬

Molecular breeding ‫التعديل الجيني‬

Permaculture ‫الزراعة المعمرة‬

Agrivoltaics ‫نظام الزراعة الكهروضوئية‬

Water absorbents ‫ماصات الماء‬

Moisture and fertility conservation ‫الحفاظ عىل الرطوبة وخصوبة التربة‬

Cover crops ‫محاصيل التغطية‬