The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, known as Estidamah, has achieved a significant milestone in Riyadh by successfully cultivating asparagus in greenhouses. This marks a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector, aiming to enhance food security and satisfy the growing local demand for this nutritious vegetable.
By leveraging greenhouse technology, Estidamah has enabled the year-round production of asparagus, moving away from traditional seasonal methods. The center is also investigating the integration of asparagus with fruit trees in intercropping systems to improve land use efficiency.
Asparagus is not only valued for its nutritional properties but also for its salt tolerance, making it a viable crop in Saudi Arabia. Early trials show a potential yield of approximately 700 grams per square meter annually. This development is set to reduce reliance on imported asparagus, which is currently about 340,000 tons every year, and bolster the tourism and hospitality sectors. This initiative supports the National Agriculture Strategy’s objectives to enhance sustainability and food security.
