Saudi Arabia Joins Hands with CGIAR to Strengthen Future of Agrotech

A $5 million partnership aims to boost agrotech innovation, water efficiency, and food security across Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward building a resilient and sustainable food system by signing its first formal cooperation agreement with CGIAR, the world’s largest global agricultural research network. The partnership focuses on advancing agricultural innovation, food security, and environmental sustainability, areas that are increasingly critical for the Kingdom’s future.

The agreement is backed by a $5 million investment from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. It creates a structured framework for joint research, training programs, and the development of practical technologies that can support farmers and agricultural institutions across the country.

A key priority of the collaboration is water management. With water scarcity remaining a major challenge, the partnership will work on improving irrigation efficiency through digital tools and data-driven systems. These technologies are designed to help farmers use less water while maintaining or increasing crop productivity.

The agreement also includes plans to develop a long-term crop improvement roadmap for Saudi Arabia. By combining local research facilities with global scientific expertise, the initiative aims to guide future agricultural innovation suited to the Kingdom’s arid environment.

Implementation will be led by ICARDA, a CGIAR research center with more than 50 years of experience in dryland agriculture across the Middle East and North Africa. Its work in digital agriculture, water technologies, and climate-adapted crops closely aligns with Saudi Arabia’s needs.

By bringing together global research knowledge and local priorities, the collaboration signals Saudi Arabia’s growing focus on agrotech as a foundation for long-term food security and environmental resilience.