Estidamah Achieves Breakthrough in Local Asparagus Cultivation.

Riyadh: The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) has achieved a significant milestone in localizing the cultivation and production of asparagus within greenhouses. This innovation is poised to strengthen Saudi Arabia's food security initiatives and satisfy the growing domestic demand for this highly nutritious vegetable. According to Saudi Press Agency, by advancing greenhouse cultivation, Estidamah has demonstrated the feasibility of year-round asparagus production, unlike the traditional single-season, open-field method. Moreover, asparagus cultivation can be integrated into intercropping systems with fruit trees, maximizing land use efficiency. Recognizing asparagus's high nutritional value and salt tolerance, Estidamah has prioritized its localization. Preliminary studies suggest an annual yield of approximately 700 grams per square meter, addressing the rising demand for this crop. With annual asparagus imports currently at around 340,000 tons, this breakthr ough in local production has the potential to significantly reduce reliance on imports while supporting the tourism and hospitality sectors. These efforts align with the National Agriculture Strategy, which aims to enhance sustainability in the agricultural sector and ensure Saudi Arabia's food security.