Saudi Arabia’s Wheat Production to Rise by 25% in 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has forecasted a 25% increase in Saudi Arabia’s wheat production for the 2024 agricultural season. Output is expected to reach 1.5 million tons, up from 1.2 million tons in the previous season. This rise is attributed to the expansion of farmland dedicated to wheat cultivation, with nearly 600,000 acres now under cultivation, and an average yield of 3 tons per acre. The increased production is expected to help strengthen the kingdom’s food security efforts and ensure a stable wheat supply for the local market.

A Strategic Push for Agricultural Sustainability
Saudi Arabia has long recognized the importance of food security, especially in terms of staple crops like wheat. As the country continues to diversify its agriculture sector, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture plays a crucial role in setting annual production quotas. These quotas are determined by factors such as the available water resources and global supply and demand trends for wheat.

For 2024-2025, the kingdom is also expecting a 5% increase in wheat consumption, which will likely bring total wheat demand to around 4.75 million tons. The government’s push for greater self-sufficiency is part of a broader effort to reduce dependency on imports and increase the resilience of the food supply chain in response to global market fluctuations.

Addressing the Gap: Wheat Imports and Trade Relationships
Despite the surge in local production, Saudi Arabia continues to face a gap between wheat production and consumption. To address this, the kingdom is projected to increase its wheat imports by 2% this year. Saudi Arabia sources wheat from a variety of global markets, including Australia, the European Union, South America, the United States, Canada, and countries bordering the Black Sea. This diversity in supply sources helps mitigate risks related to geopolitical factors and ensures a steady supply of wheat at competitive prices.

Saudi Arabia’s growing agricultural output, combined with its import strategies, will help meet the demands of a population that continues to expand and a local food industry that requires a steady stream of raw materials. The ongoing improvements in agricultural technology and farming practices are also contributing to enhanced yields, as the kingdom works toward greater sustainability.

Saudi Arabia’s Agricultural Future
As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to not only enhance its local food production capabilities but also explore opportunities in agricultural innovation. Investments in technologies such as drip irrigation, precision farming, and genetically modified crops are helping to increase yields while conserving the country’s precious water resources.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving food security is closely tied to its overall economic diversification strategy. By investing in agriculture, the kingdom seeks to create new job opportunities, improve its global competitiveness in the food sector, and ensure that its agricultural industries can thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.