Saudi Arabia’s Grain Production Declines to 1.65 mln tons in 2024

Saudi Arabia’s grain production totaled 1.65 million tons in 2024, down from 1.75 million tons in the previous year, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The total area planted with grain crops amounted to about 304.45 thousand hectares, with harvesting carried out on nearly 303 thousand hectares.

Wheat remained the dominant crop, accounting for 72% of the total grain planted area. Wheat production reached 1.19 million tons, confirming its leading role in the country’s grain sector. Other grains, including sorghum, corn, millet, and additional minor crops, contributed significantly smaller volumes.

Regionally, Al Jouf ranked first in grain output, producing approximately 331.5 thousand tons from a cultivated area of nearly 45.7 thousand hectares. Riyadh followed in second place with about 278.5 thousand tons, while Hail and Qassim were also among the major grain-producing regions.

The report also highlighted the development of organic agriculture. Total organic crop production in the Kingdom was estimated at around 98 thousand tons in 2024, with perennial crops accounting for about 71% of the total output. The area under organic agriculture exceeded 24 thousand hectares, most of which was occupied by perennial crops.

Despite domestic production, Saudi Arabia remains highly dependent on agricultural imports. In 2024, total agricultural imports reached 18.76 million tons, with grains making up 72% of the total. Agricultural exports were much lower, amounting to around 506 thousand tons, largely driven by shipments of fruits and other crop products.

Tags: grain, Saudi Arabia, wheat, crop forecast