The relevant agricultural authorities in the Kingdom are striving to achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture including basic agricultural crops, reported Akhbar 24. These authorities have supported the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) since its establishment in 1977, using two-thirds of Arab developmental aid.
Additionally, it supports Saudi farmers through an integrated system that encourages them to innovate and cultivate strategic crops.
The Dutch magazine ‘Vertical Farm’ focused on the efforts of the specialized agricultural company ‘Murq’ in collaboration with the Taiwanese group YesHealth. They plan to build the largest vertical farm in the Kingdom, specifically in the capital Riyadh.
Jesper Hansen Remarks on the Project
The Dutch magazine quoted the commercial director of the group, Jesper Hansen, saying that the first crops of the farm are planned to be harvested next autumn.
Currently, the installation and testing of equipment are underway in the farm. It will include over 18,000 square meters of planted area in vertical arrays with a height of 15 meters and a flat area of approximately 4,500 square meters.
Hansen added that the farm, spanning over 20 kilometers from the center of Riyadh, will produce about 2,000 kilograms of fresh leafy vegetables and products daily. This is to contribute to self-sufficiency in these products instead of high-carbon imported products. Moreover, it will ensure a healthy, high-quality Saudi agricultural product for consumers in Riyadh and its surrounding cities and areas.
The magazine also showcased important information about the vertical farm. For example, it will be in the second industrial area of Riyadh. As per the schedule, it will be delivered by the end of this year. The farm will be 16 meters high and will produce more than 900 tons of leafy greens and sprouts annually. It will employ 30 full-time staff. It will operate with modern technology, automating all stages of farming from seeding to harvest.
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