Riyadh: Saudi researchers at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) have developed innovative technologies for cultivating saffron and producing its flowers in 10 days through vertical farming systems and climate control systems, in contrast to traditional farming methods, which take four to six weeks. The team created a specific set of wavelengths from artificial lighting that stimulated the rapid growth of saffron flowers, in addition to engineering the ideal environment for growth despite the harsh climatic conditions of the Kingdom.
According to Saudi Press Agency, saffron is a crop of significant economic value, with its global market value reaching $372.9 million in 2021 and projected to grow to $756 million by 2030, marking an annual growth rate of 8.6% during the period from 2022 to 2030. In the past decade, Saudi Arabia's saffron imports have totaled 497 tons of dry saffron, valued at approximately $175 million, underscoring its economic significance.
These advanced systems provide new opportunities for the agricultural sector's development, especially as vertical farming expands to meet local market demands. The global market for controlled agricultural systems was valued at $74.4 billion in 2022 and is forecasted to reach $377.6 billion by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 18.13%. These technologies extend beyond saffron cultivation and are applied to other crops, enhancing productivity, improving quality, and creating optimal growth conditions.
This achievement supports the National Laboratory's efforts to develop innovative agricultural solutions that promote environmental sustainability and boost local production efficiency. It aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, as well as national priorities for research and development and innovation. By advancing modern production technologies, the initiative aims to meet lifestyle needs, strengthen the Kingdom's capacity to tackle food security challenges, and achieve self-sufficiency in saffron crops, which are currently imported in large quantities.
The project seeks to achieve environmental and economic sustainability by localizing vertical farming technologies to accelerate agricultural growth. It introduces modern technologies for producing saffron corms, contributing to increased productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced efficiency of agricultural systems in small areas through vertical, rather than horizontal, farming and production.
The Vertical Farming Project, utilizing artificial lighting systems, climate control systems, and specific wavelengths within controlled environments, offers numerous economic and environmental benefits. These include reducing saffron imports, localizing production, lowering carbon emissions, and improving the efficiency of energy and water resource use.