Saudi Ministry of Environment Localizes Banana Seedling Production, Supporting Self-Sufficiency and GDP Growth

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) has localized the production of banana seedlings through tissue culture and propagation of several varieties suitable for the Kingdom’s climate, especially in Jazan.

This initiative is proof of the ministry’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 through promoting self-sufficiency, contributing to the growth of the GDP, and achieving sustainable development, as well as of its focus on sustainable agriculture and food security.

The ministry’s center for plant tissue culture and biotechnology has successfully cultivated high-quality, disease-free seedlings both in greenhouses and in open fields. This achievement has significant implications for the agricultural sector, as it boosts sustainability and productivity.

According to the ministry, localizing production attracts investors in tissue culture technology. This investment aims to intensify the production of all varieties with high nutritional value, which leads to high economic return.

According to the ministry, significant economic loss, of approximately 25%, is incurred when importing seedlings. In contrast, locally produced seedlings have a remarkably low expected loss rate.

To address this, the ministry has launched the first phase of two initiatives: to plant 45 million fruit trees on agricultural terraces and four million lemon trees using renewable water by 2030. These initiatives are part of the Saudi Green Initiative, conducted in collaboration with private sector institutions and the Agricultural Development Fund.

The focus on local production, with a much lower predicted loss rate, promises a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to fruit cultivation.