Saudi farmers would get SR1.6 million to convert to organic farming.

RIYADH: According to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, as part of its strategy to promote organic produce, it has given 165 farmers SR1,617,831 ($431,000) during the last eight months.
According to the ministry, 165 farmers' petitions to convert to organic farming were received.

A 12-month contract was recently inked by the government to assist small farmers in making the transition to organic farming.

 
The objectives of the contract are to produce food that is safe and of high quality, protect the environment and natural resources, optimise irrigation water consumption, and encourage and assist organic farming.

As per the agreement, the Saudi Organic Farming Society will conduct escorted field visits, assess farms that intend to transition to organic farming practices, and get them ready for certification and inspection.

The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Programme was launched in January by King Salman with the goal of increasing the production, processing, and selling of fruit, fish, livestock, Arabic coffee, and rain-fed crop farming.

In addition to increasing investment in the agriculture industry, the programme will diversify it, raise small farmers' incomes, generate employment opportunities, and support sustainable development and food security.