Saudi Arabia Seeds Market Overview, 2030

The Saudi Arabia seed market is a critical component of the country’s agricultural sector, supporting efforts to achieve food security and sustainability in a challenging desert environment. Seeds are essential for crop production, enabling the kingdom to address its growing population’s needs despite limited water and arable land. This market combines advanced technology with traditional farming practices to meet both domestic demand and national goals. It plays a key role in reducing reliance on food imports, a priority under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance local agriculture. The seed industry includes a mix of imported and locally produced seeds, reflecting the kingdom’s strategy to balance global resources with self-sufficiency. Investments in research and development, along with government support, drive improvements in seed quality and crop yields. The market serves farmers across various regions, from small-scale growers to large commercial operations, adapting to the unique climate and soil conditions of Saudi Arabia. It encompasses diverse seed types, such as genetically modified and conventional varieties, catering to different agricultural needs. The Saudi Arabia seed market is shaped by economic, environmental, and regulatory factors, making it a vital part of the nation’s plan to ensure a stable food supply. As global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity intensify, this market remains essential for supporting agricultural growth and resilience in the kingdom. The Saudi Arabia seed market has evolved significantly over time, transitioning from traditional farming practices to a modern, regulated industry. In the past, farmers depended on locally saved seeds suited to the arid climate, with limited variety and scale. The discovery of oil and subsequent economic growth led to increased imports of seeds, shifting the focus toward international suppliers. Today, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture oversees the market, implementing policies to ensure seed quality and safety. The Saudi Seed Law establishes standards for certification, testing, and distribution, while the government aligns with international agreements like the UPOV Convention to protect plant varieties. Vision 2030 has further influenced the market by promoting local seed production and innovation. Regulations also address the use of genetically modified seeds, requiring thorough evaluation to balance benefits and risks. These policies aim to support agricultural development while maintaining environmental and public health standards.

According to the research report "Saudi Arabia seed Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia seed market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 930 Million by 2030. The Saudi Arabia seed market is shaped by current trends, key drivers, and active trade programs that support its growth and alignment with national objectives. A major trend is the increasing use of seeds designed to tolerate drought and heat, addressing the kingdom’s harsh climate. The adoption of genetically modified seeds is also rising, offering improved yields and pest resistance, though regulated carefully. Market drivers include a growing population, now over 35 million, which increases food demand and pressures the government to boost local production. Water scarcity pushes the need for efficient seed varieties, while changing diets raise demand for fruits and vegetables. Vision 2030, aimed at reducing oil dependency, provides funding and subsidies to enhance the seed sector. Trade programs play a significant role, with Saudi Arabia importing advanced seeds from countries like the United States and the Netherlands to meet immediate needs. The Agricultural Development Fund supports this by financing seed companies and farmers, encouraging the use of high-quality seeds. The National Seed Bank preserves local seed varieties and aids research efforts. While exports are limited, the kingdom focuses on strengthening domestic supply and reducing reliance on imports. Regulatory oversight ensures that imported and locally produced seeds meet quality standards, aligning with global trade requirements. Challenges such as high costs and limited farmland persist, but government initiatives and international partnerships drive progress. The market is poised for expansion as investments in technology and infrastructure continue to address these issues, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal of sustainable agriculture and food security in a resource-scarce environment.

The Saudi Arabia seed market is divided into two main types: genetically modified (GM) seeds and conventional seeds, each serving distinct purposes in the kingdom’s agriculture. GM seeds are developed through biotechnology to include specific traits, such as resistance to drought or pests, making them suitable for Saudi Arabia’s dry and challenging conditions. These seeds aim to increase crop yields and reduce the need for water and pesticides, supporting the goals of Vision 2030 for efficient farming. They are primarily imported from countries with advanced biotech industries, though local research is exploring Saudi-specific GM varieties. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture regulates their use, requiring strict testing to ensure safety for health and the environment. Public concerns about GM seeds also influence their adoption rate, keeping their market share controlled. In contrast, conventional seeds are naturally bred without genetic modification, widely used by farmers for crops like wheat and barley. These seeds are often locally produced or saved from previous harvests, offering a cost-effective option for traditional farming. They are well-suited to the kingdom’s climate due to years of adaptation and remain popular among small-scale farmers who prefer familiar varieties. Conventional seeds face fewer regulatory hurdles, making them more accessible than GM seeds. While GM seeds provide higher productivity potential, conventional seeds dominate in volume due to their widespread use and lower cost.

The Saudi Arabia seed market is categorized by crop type into Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, and Others, each addressing specific agricultural demands in the kingdom. Cereals & Grains, including wheat, barley, and sorghum, form the largest segment due to their role as staple foods. These seeds are bred for resilience to drought, supporting local production efforts under Vision 2030 to reduce grain imports. They are planted in regions like Tabuk and Qassim, often using irrigation systems. Oilseeds & Pulses, such as sunflower, soybean, and chickpeas, are growing in importance for their oil and protein content. These seeds, sometimes genetically modified, meet industrial and nutritional needs, with production expanding in areas like Al-Jouf. Fruits & Vegetables, including seeds for tomatoes, cucumbers, and dates, are vital for fresh produce supply. These seeds are used in greenhouses and oasis farming, driven by demand for healthy diets and efforts to replace imports. The Others category includes seeds for forage crops like alfalfa, which support livestock, and minor crops like herbs. Cereals & Grains lead in volume due to their dietary significance, while Fruits & Vegetables gain value from consumer preferences. Oilseeds & Pulses are expanding as diets diversify, and the Others segment fills niche roles in the agricultural system. The Saudi Arabia seed market relies on these crop types to enhance food security, adapting to the kingdom’s climate and limited resources through a mix of traditional and modern farming practices.

The Saudi Arabia seed market is segmented by availability into Commercial Seeds and Saved Seeds, reflecting different sources and uses in the kingdom’s agriculture. Commercial Seeds are professionally produced and certified, offering high quality and improved traits like higher yields or drought resistance. These seeds, including hybrids and genetically modified varieties, are supplied by local companies or imported from countries like the United States and Europe. They are distributed through formal channels, supported by the Agricultural Development Fund, and used by farmers in regions like Hail and Riyadh to meet modern farming goals under Vision 2030. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture ensures their quality through strict standards, making them a reliable choice for large-scale and commercial operations. Saved Seeds, on the other hand, are collected by farmers from their own harvests, typically conventional varieties like wheat or dates. These seeds are cost-free and widely used by small-scale farmers in rural areas, relying on traditional methods suited to local conditions. While less productive than commercial seeds, they remain significant for subsistence farming due to their accessibility. Commercial Seeds dominate the market’s growth, driven by government support and demand for efficiency, whereas Saved Seeds hold a steady presence among traditional farmers.




Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Seeds Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Genetically Modified Seed
• Conventional Seed

By Crop Type
• Cereals & Grains
• Oilseeds & Pulses
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Others

By Availability
• Commercial Seeds
• Saved Seeds

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.