Saudi Arabia’s research on 10 crops seeking food self-sufficiency

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has initiated a series of research projects on over 10 promising crops as part of the Kingdom's efforts to promote agricultural development and contribute to the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in economically important crops, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday. National Research and Development Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) is doing the research on crops such as quinoa, azolla, guar, jojoba, stevia, moringa, asparagus, millet, sesbania, clitoria and safflower. These crops have various uses as some serve as food crops, others as industrial crops, and some non-traditional fodder crops. The research projects to be carried out in Al-Kharj, Jizan, AlUla, and Najran will be overseen by a team of experts and researchers. Estidamah Director-General Abdulrahman Al-Saghir emphasised the importance of such initiatives in developing the agricultural sector in the Kingdom. He said that the research and studies have been selected to meet the needs of farmers and invest ors, with a specific focus on crops of economic and agricultural significance that are known for their low water consumption and their ability to thrive in the environmental conditions of the Kingdom. This endeavour is part of a comprehensive strategy designed to strengthen food security and attain self-sufficiency in the country, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. Source: Emirates News Agency