‘Gov’t must up agriculture investment, cut food cost’

13/01/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 13: While praising the government’s focus on increasing non-oil revenues and supporting food security, agricultural and food security expert Mohammad Al-Furaih emphasized that investment projects should also be expanded to the agricultural sector. This can be achieved through collaboration with the private sector for providing various incentives for companies wishing to invest in agriculture, in coordination with local banks.

In a press statement, Al-Furaih indicated that expanding agricultural investment will pave the way for similar initiatives in sectors such as livestock, the feed industry, the grain trade, and increasing storage capacity, adding that neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, have long pursued a pioneering approach in expanding their agricultural land area.

Regarding the potential contribution of agricultural investment to the growth of non-oil revenues, Al-Furaih said he believes the agricultural sector can support the national economy while also achieving food security and reducing the import bill.

He stressed that expanding agricultural investments in Kuwait requires first addressing the challenges facing the sector, while focusing on private sector involvement and utilizing modern technologies to enhance production efficiency and improve the quality of local products. Al-Furaih highlighted the challenges posed by high summer temperatures, noting that expanding greenhouse farming with modern designs and advanced technology is essential. He expressed hope that new greenhouses would not follow the same models used in Wafra and Abdali, which failed to meet practical specifications, resulting in higher production costs, lower yields, increased maintenance expenses, and greater water and electricity consumption.

In this regard, Al-Furaih urged relevant authorities in Kuwait to draw lessons from Saudi Arabia’s experiences. He indicated that Saudi Arabia has taken confident steps toward building a robust agricultural economy by aiming for self-sufficiency as outlined in its “Vision 2030.” Al-Furaih highlighted the “Developmental Coffee City” project, which is built on over 1.6 million square meters of Saudi land and is managed using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence systems and drip irrigation networks exceeding 450,000 meters in length. He said the project is supported by processing and roasting facilities that are the largest in the region, with a targeted production capacity of 10,000 tons annually. Al-Furaih emphasized that supporting agriculture in Kuwait requires prioritizing local products and granting agricultural holdings to those already active in the sector who wish to develop them, noting that one of the main benefits of agricultural expansion in Kuwait is reducing the high cost of food in the local market

By Najeh Bilal Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff