Saudi Initiative Aims to Reduce $10.6 Billion in Food Waste

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
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Saudi Initiative Aims to Reduce $10.6 Billion in Food Waste

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia signed on Wednesday an agreement to reinforce food security initiatives under the National Transformation Program.

The Kingdom inked the deal through Saudi Arabian Grains Organization (SAGO).

These initiatives aim to limit food waste in the country.

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and chairman of the SAGO's board of directors Abdulrahman Al-Fadli said food waste exceeded 33 percent and cost around SAR40 billion ($10.6 billion) per year.

The minister added that the planned awareness campaign would contribute to achieving state goals.

These goals include the optimal use of agricultural and food resources, as well as preserving achievements in the food security field.

SAGO Governor Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Faris said reducing food waste can be achieved through various means, including awareness campaigns thereby allowing the community to play a part in efforts to achieve the goals of the program.



Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East
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Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture issued the first operational license for a commercial agricultural project utilizing aeroponics in the Middle East, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The project aims to contribute significantly to the local market's agricultural needs through sustainable production.

The Ministry's Undersecretary for Agriculture, Eng Ahmad Al-Ayada, made the announcement during a ceremony attended by representatives of a coalition local and international companies: Tamimi Markets Group from Saudi Arabia, Mitsui Group from Japan, and Zero Group from Italy.

Through the Green Dunes Company, the coalition will come up with modern agricultural solutions powered by cutting-edge technologies and AI. These efforts align with the Kingdom's National Agriculture Strategy and the broader goals of Vision 2030, which aim to build a sustainable agricultural future.

According to the ministry, the project's first phase has been completed. It entailed the establishment of an aeroponics farm to produce various vegetable varieties. The method is noted for its efficiency, as it reduces water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming techniques and enables year-round productivity.

The project integrates AI and automation at all production stages, employing advanced monitoring systems and performance indicators to optimize output.