Riyadh – Mubasher: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Reef Saudi) has invested SAR 61 million to increase its coffee production in the kingdom by 37% between 2020 and 2023.
Reef Saud’s coffee production surged to 1,485 tonnes last year from 800 tonnes in 2020, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The programme is planning to raise annual production to 7,000 tonnes by 2026.
Reef Saudi aims to elevate the coffee sector's role in Saudi Arabia's economy by integrating coffee cultivation into the agricultural landscape, creating a cash crop to diversify outputs. This initiative seeks to boost local production, reduce import dependency, and generate economic value.
The programme focuses on fostering job opportunities, particularly for young Saudis, to improve livelihoods in rural areas.
Reef Saudi adopts a multi-faceted strategy, including facilitating financial access, promoting best practices, and introducing automated harvesting. It establishes cooperative societies, supports rainwater harvesting, and provides direct financial aid to small producers.
Strategic projects include setting up processing facilities and equipping model farms and nurseries in strategic locations across regions.
