Kuwait faces challenges in developing its agricultural sector due to water scarcity and harsh climatic conditions, limiting its ability to achieve food self-sufficiency.

Despite this, the Public Authority for Statistics announced today, Monday, that local agricultural production increased by 16.2% in 2024.

The data indicates that the sector is experiencing growth thanks to government support and investments in hydroponics and greenhouse farming.

The value of agricultural products, such as vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens, reached 32.55 million Kuwaiti dinars (105.4 million USD), compared to 28 million dinars (90.6 million USD) in 2023.

Additionally, the quantities produced from 76 types increased by 25.6%, reaching 253.7 tons in 2024, compared to 202 tons in 2023, with tomatoes leading production, followed by cucumbers.

While Kuwait ranked 33rd globally in achieving food security according to the Global Food Security Index (FS) in 2020, its ranking has dropped to 51st globally in recent years, reflecting gaps in national policies in this area and presenting new challenges for decision-makers.

According to 2022 statistics, local production covers only 22% of the demand for perishable crops, with water scarcity limiting the expansion of agriculture, as agricultural land represents only 2% of Kuwait's total area.

The country almost entirely depends on foreign markets, spending over 4.5 billion USD annually on food imports, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations despite having strategic reserves that provide temporary security.