Market Trends of Kuwait Fruits & Vegetables Industry
Import of Fruits and Vegetables to meet the Domestic Demand
The country has a total arable land area of about 10,600 ha, or about 0.6% of the total land area. This domestic production capacity is insufficient to cater to the growing demand for fruits and vegetables. Kuwait is the second-most populated country in the GCC region, with an average population growth rate of 3.5%. The government has low domestic production capabilities for fruits and vegetables, as the soil in the region is soft in organic content with low nutrient-holding abilities and poor moisture-retaining capacity. The natural water resources required for irrigation are minimal, with most water used coming from desalination plants that consume a lot of electricity. Domestic farmers cannot bear the costs as there are no subsidies for electricity.
Thus, the agricultural sector in Kuwait faces significant challenges due to harsh climatic conditions and vulnerable water and soil resources. Hence, the country mainly depends on importing fruits and vegetables. The United States, Lebanon, India, and South Africa are the major exporters of fruits to the country. As per the ITC trade map, in 2021, the country's overall import volume of fruits accounted for 49,227 metric tons, with the United States and Lebanon holding a significant share of 29.1% and 17.3%. Further, India, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt are the major exporters of vegetables to the country. Hence, the increased demand for fruits and vegetables in the country with the less favorable cultivation conditions created a market potential for imports, which is further anticipated to drive the market in the country during the forecast period.
Increased Area and Innovation in Agriculture
The agricultural areas in the country are located in Wafra, in the south of Kuwait, Al-Abdali, in the north of Kuwait, and Al-Sulaibiya, in the center. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the total area under cultivation of fruits and vegetables in the country has increased significantly in recent years. Tomatoes, cucumbers, dates, eggplants, pumpkins, lettuce, watermelons, strawberries, and oranges are some of the major crops produced in the country. The overall area harvested under the vegetables of primary importance in 2021 accounted for 5,164 hectares, which increased from 4,951 hectares in 2019.
Due to environmental and water resource problems, the country relies a lot on supplemental irrigation and greenhouse production. In 2020, the first large-scale indoor vertical farm in the Middle East opened in Kuwait. It used Dryponics technology to grow 250 kinds of greens and herbs. With approximately 3,000 square meters of farming space, the innovative facility has a daily output capacity of up to 550 kg of salad, herbs, and cresses and uses cutting-edge vertical farming methods that consume 90% less water than traditional farming. Also, the government recognizes the need to bring in dryland urban agriculture, innovative technologies, and skilled labor to enhance its food production. Thus, the increased area and innovation in agriculture are anticipated to drive the market during the coming year.
