Riyadh: Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley signed today a cooperation agreement with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) to enhance sustainability and innovation in the Kingdom's agricultural sector and support efforts to achieve food security and environmental sustainability, in accordance with the systems and regulations in force for both sides.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the 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 and environmental sustainability, within the mandates of the ministry and the group. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will fund the agreement with $5 million.
Areas of cooperation 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, and identifying digital tools that enhance the efficiency of irrigation methods.
The 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 further provides for facilitating access to the group's infrastructure and resources, including research centers, to enhance joint research cooperation and optimize the use of resources.
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.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture 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.