Saudi Arabia has signed a cooperation agreement with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) aimed at advancing sustainability and innovation within the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.
The agreement, signed by Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadle, seeks to bolster efforts toward achieving food security and environmental sustainability, while aligning with the regulatory frameworks of both parties.
The Saudi Arabia-CGIAR agreement aims to provide technical requirements from the group to implement joint projects and activities, and to build institutional and human capacities in agricultural and food innovation, as well as environmental sustainability, within the mandates of the ministry and the group.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture will fund the agreement with $5 million. Furthermore, it will provide the necessary support and facilitation to ensure the efficient implementation of related projects and activities, advancing sustainable agricultural development and contributing to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The areas of cooperation of Saudi Arabia-CGIAR include:
Contributing to innovation initiatives under national strategies related to the agricultural sector
Participating in programs to develop innovation capacity
Issuing scientific studies on sustainable water management in the Kingdom
Developing a technical roadmap to improve crops
Identifying digital tools that enhance the efficiency of irrigation methods
The Saudi Arabia-CGIAR agreement also includes strengthening the Saudi plant gene bank and facilitating access to local resources by leveraging research infrastructure and assets in the Kingdom, including research facilities and experimental lands, to implement pilot projects.
It also facilitates access to the group’s infrastructure and resources, including research centers, to enhance joint research cooperation and optimize resource utilization.
The agreement stipulates the provision of international experts and consultants to work in the Kingdom to transfer global knowledge and expertise in agricultural innovation, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
Projects and activities under the agreement will be implemented according to a plan and timeline defining the agreed technical and financial responsibilities and schedules, as per the statement.
