Saudi stevia farming highly successful
STEVIA (മധുരതുളസി) farming is becoming highly successful in Saudi Arabia, driven by high demand for natural sweeteners to combat diabetes/obesity and government support for local, sustainable, and water-efficient agriculture.
Projects like those in Najran are thriving, with crops harvestable every three months and producing high-quality, locally sourced stevia, replacing imports.
Key elements of this successful industry expansion include:
Ideal Growing Conditions & High Yield: Stevia thrives in the Saudi climate (ideal temp \(25\)-\(35^{\circ }\text{C}\)), producing high yields in regions like Najran.
The plants can be harvested every 3 months. Government Support: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture supports farmers with training, seeds, and fertilizer to promote local production.
Water Efficiency: Stevia requires significantly less water compared to traditional crops like sugarcane, making it ideal for the region's water-sensitive environment.
Economic Opportunity: Stevia farming can provide more than double the income compared to traditional crops, offering high profitability.
Market Demand: With over a 40% share in the Middle East & Africa, the Saudi market is rapidly expanding, fuelled by health-conscious consumers seeking sugar alternatives.
Recent efforts have successfully demonstrated that, despite being a desert region, modern agricultural techniques, such as those in Al-Lith, allow for efficient cultivation, contributing to food security.
