RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s food security drive is set to receive a boost as Tabuk Agricultural Development Co., also known as Tadco, signs an agreement to construct high-tech greenhouses.

In a statement released on the Saudi Stock Exchange, Tadawul, the company outlined the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Greenhouses Management and Agri Marketing Co. The aim is to establish a cooperative partnership for constructing and managing greenhouses tailored to the Kingdom’s climatic conditions.

High-tech greenhouses use technology to control conditions like temperature, humidity, light, and irrigation, optimizing plant growth and crop yield while conserving resources like water and energy. They may also integrate sustainable practices, such as renewable energy and efficient water management, to reduce their environmental impact.

Under the terms of the agreement, the entities will also collaborate to develop the marketing system, conduct research on high-value varieties, and cultivate them in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the release stated their aim to “maximize the benefit of products through manufacturing industries.”

Last week, Tadco secured a partnership agreement with Topian, a subsidiary of the Saudi giga-project NEOM, to innovate fruit and vegetable production.

The MoU, which aimed to leverage advanced agricultural technologies and practices to enhance domestic food cultivation, was signed between the two bodies to set up a hydroponic greenhouse facility at the company’s site in Tabuk, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

Hydroponics is the method of cultivating plants without soil and utilizing minimal water resources. This type of production, designed for space efficiency, can grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers in half the time of traditional agriculture while using 90 percent less water.

This will further support the Kingdom’s efforts toward sustainable food production practices.

Under the terms of the MoU, Topian will contribute its expertise, handling key responsibilities such as the design, installation, and operation of the hydroponic greenhouse facility.

Meanwhile, the deal will see Tadco taking on a pivotal role in facilitating the project’s success by providing essential support and resources.

This includes identifying and allocating suitable agricultural land for the greenhouse, establishing distribution channels for product off-take, and providing infrastructure and labor assistance to ensure seamless project execution.

Both partnerships underscore Saudi Vision 2030’s aim to enhance food security through increased domestic production and sustainable agricultural practices.

This further highlights the nation’s dedication to green initiatives. For instance, in January 2021, Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Co. launched the largest greenhouse complex in the Kingdom, covering 12 hectares and utilizing cutting-edge hydroponic technology.