Ministry of Environment to launch SAR 2 bln agricultural firm soon, says official

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has launched procedures to create a new state-owned firm for agricultural services after this Eid Al Adha, a ministry official has said.

Speaking to CNBC Arabia, Abdul Rahman Al Zughaiby, the Deputy Minister for the Directorate of Planning and Budget, said that one of the firm’s main goals is to achieve sustainable food security in the Kingdom. He also said the firm will address challenges facing the agricultural sector.

Other related preparations, including the hiring of employees and actual operations are set to start after four months, according to Ahmed Al-Eiadh, Deputy Minister of the Directorate of Agriculture.

The firm is not expected to be involved in any investments in the sector over the short-term and will be limited to providing services to the ministry.

The Saudi cabinet recently approved setting up a new state-owned firm for agricultural services with a maximum of SAR 2 billion in capital.

The cabinet’s decision followed proposals submitted by the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Council of Economic and Development Affairs last July.