Riyadh Launches Revolutionary Urban Vertical Farm Project
In a groundbreaking move, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has unveiled an innovative urban vertical farm project aimed at transforming the way food markets and stores operate in Saudi Arabia. This project, the first of its kind in the region, promises to revolutionize the way customers access fresh food products grown right in the Kingdom.
Revolutionizing the Food Market Landscape
The project was officially launched by the ministry’s undersecretary, Ahmed Al-Eyada, in collaboration with a leading bioagriculture company. The first vertical farm in the project is now housed in Danube markets in Riyadh, showcasing a diverse range of plants and agricultural products, including lettuce, coriander, parsley, and broccoli – previously imported from abroad.
A Vision for the Future
The ministry has ambitious plans to roll out 600 to 1,000 urban vertical farms in retail systems across all markets in the Kingdom over the next five years. These farms aim to fulfill 20 to 40 percent of the domestic demand for agricultural products and vegetables, emphasizing sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Benefits Beyond Fresh Produce
The introduction of vertical urban farms in stores not only ensures fresher and more nutritious produce for consumers but also contributes to preserving natural resources, maintaining ecosystem balance, and promoting sustainable productivity. By streamlining supply chains, these farms reduce loss and waste, while offering a new farming model tailored to local farmers and businesses.
Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture
Vertical farming not only conserves agricultural land but also significantly reduces labor and water usage by 80 to 90 percent compared to traditional methods. This results in a year-round high-yield agricultural environment, promoting job localization, boosting income potential, and overcoming logistical challenges in the transportation of agricultural products to consumers.