Page 33 - AA 2022 YEAR BOOK

Kuwait

THE KUWAIT FRUITS AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY IS PROJECTED TO

REGISTER A CAGR OF 3.4% DURING THE FORECAST PERIOD (2021-2026).

Kuwait is highly dependent on food mainly dependent on the import of fruits important agricultural centers in Turkey,
imports, and their supply chains are built and vegetables. and hence Kuwait along with Turkey
to the other countries. The coronavirus has invested USD 100 million in the
crisis has resulted in the disruption of Government Initiative to greenhouse on a 1000 decare area in this
supply chains globally, leading to food Invest in farm land abroad region to export the agriculture products
insecurity in Kuwait. During COVID-19, to gulf countries. The Greenhouse
the country has experienced a shortage The government of Kuwait is Investors and Producers Association
of onions. The government sent trucks to encouraging agricultural companies to (SERA-BİR) and GAP Greenhouse
buy 120,000 kilos of onion from Yemen, invest in foreign countries that have a Gardeners Association would also assist
which is combating an unprecedented comparative advantage in producing in greenhouse cultivation in order to
hunger crisis, thereby exposing the certain crops and import their products develop the sector.
vulnerability of dependence on food back into Kuwait. The Kuwaiti government
imports. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the is providing financial incentives to
country has moved to strengthen its food encourage investors in the country to
security by increasing international take part in this food security initiative
cooperation and agricultural technology and invest overseas. The Southeastern
investments. Anatolia Project (GAP), one of the
The agriculture sector plays a minor world’s largest and most comprehensive
role in the growth of the country’s sustainable development projects,
economy. Kuwait imports most of its focuses on Greenhouse farming in the
fruits and vegetables, as the domestic southeast city. Urfa, one of the most
production capability is low due to Production (tonnes) of some agricultural
unfavorable climate, soil infertility, and
water scarcity. Vegetable production in commodities in Kuwait (2019-2020)
2019 was valued at 328,459 thousand Item Value Flag Value Flag
metric ton, and fruit production was Barley 5533 4205 Im
valued at 115,324 thousand metric
ton. The growing market for fruits and Beans, green 2808 2862 Im
vegetables in Kuwait is attributed to Cabbages and other brassicas 9462 8976 Im
the increasing disposable incomes of Carrots and turnips 812 940 Im
the people and the increasing health Caulif owers and broccoli 7835 5516 Im
concerns of the Kuwaiti population. Chillies and peppers, green 19026 19022 Im
Cucumbers and gherkins 96391 88923 Im
Import of Fruits and Vegetables Dates 105648 111748 Im
to meet the Domestic Demand Eggplants (aubergines) 39385 36321 Im
Fruit, fresh nes 7115 7464 Im
The country has a total arable land of
about 10,600 hectares, about 0.6% of the Garlic 623 487 Im
total land area. This domestic production Grapes 146 167 Im
capacity is not enough to cater to the Lemons and limes 157 200 Im
growing domestic demand for fruits and Lettuce and chicory 12173 11676 Im
vegetables. Kuwait is the second-most Maize 25792 16415 Im
populated country in the GCC region, Melons, other (inc.cantaloupes) 2181 2999 Im
with an average population growth rate Okra 9537 8203 Im
of 3.5%. The country has low domestic
production capabilities for fruits and Olives 809 737 Im
vegetables, as the soil in the region is Onions, dry 7120 7771 Im
low in organic content, with low-nutrient Oranges 175 215 Im
holding abilities and poor moisture- Potatoes 34807 43619 Im
retaining capacity. The natural water Pumpkins, squash and gourds 19241 21544 Im
resources required for irrigation are Spices nes 432 Im 434 Im
minimal, with most of the water used is Spinach 514 566 Im
from desalination plants, which consume
a lot of electricity. Domestic farmers are Strawberries 906 1060 Im
not able to bear the costs, as there are Tomatoes 132222 127755 Im
no subsidies for electricity. Thus, harsh Vegetables, fresh nes 30649 35487 Im
climatic conditions and vulnerable Vegetables, leguminous nes 691 691 Im
water and soil resources are the major Watermelons 525 669 Im
constraints faced by the agricultural Wheat 57 68 Im
sector in Kuwait. Hence, the country is
Im: FAO data based on imputation methodology | Source: FAO Statistical Division 2021
Arab Agriculture 2022 31