The National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program (NLFDP) is a key initiative under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) in Saudi Arabia, headquartered in Riyadh. Designed to bolster the Kingdom's agricultural sustainability and food security, NLFDP focuses on strategic development of the livestock and aquaculture sectors through scientific research, infrastructure development, and international best practices.
Core Business
NLFDP plays a pivotal role in planning, regulating, and enhancing the production capabilities of Saudi Arabia’s livestock and fisheries sectors. As a government-led program, it is responsible for initiating development frameworks, funding public-private partnerships, and overseeing sector-specific research to optimize production and environmental sustainability.
Product and Service Offerings
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Aquaculture Development
- Marine Finfish: Includes species like hamour, seabream, and cobia.
- Shrimp Farming: Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultivation under biosecure and recirculating systems.
- Freshwater Species: Development of tilapia and catfish in inland water bodies.
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Livestock Development
- Sheep and Goat Breeding: Improvement of local breeds through genetic enhancement programs.
- Cattle and Poultry: Expansion of dairy and broiler operations through technical guidance and subsidies.
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Research & Training
- Fisheries Research Centers: Focused on marine biodiversity, disease control, and feed efficiency.
- Breeding Programs: Genetic selection and AI programs for cattle and goats.
- Farmer Training Workshops: Nationwide capacity-building sessions on modern farming techniques.
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Infrastructure Support
- Hatcheries: National hatcheries established to support finfish and shrimp seed production.
- Feed Mills: Technical support to construct environmentally compliant and efficient feed mills.
- Processing Plants: Co-investment opportunities for fish and livestock product processing units.
Specialization and Core USP
NLFDP's core strengths lie in policy-driven sectoral reform and implementation of international standards in food safety, sustainability, and economic viability. The program integrates academic research with real-time industry needs to address challenges in animal health, biosecurity, and climate adaptability.
Financial Overview
Backed by the Saudi government and aligned with Vision 2030 objectives, NLFDP benefits from robust budgetary allocations:
- SAR 4 billion (~USD 1.06 billion) earmarked for the aquaculture sector alone (as per MEWA data).
- Investment incentives of up to 70% project financing for approved livestock and fishery projects.
- Multilateral collaborations funded via the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) and Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC).
Shipment Data
Although NLFDP itself does not engage in trade, its regulated projects have enabled:
- Annual aquaculture exports exceeding 60,000 metric tons (2023 estimate).
- Expansion into new markets such as China and the European Union for Saudi shrimp.
- Certifications that allow over 100 private sector aquaculture farms to export under NLFDP guidelines.
Target Market
NLFDP supports both domestic producers and international investors looking to establish operations in Saudi Arabia. Key stakeholders include:
- Local fish and livestock farmers.
- Agribusiness corporations.
- Research institutions and international investors aligned with sustainable agriculture goals.
Capabilities
- Technical Advisory: Provides standardized protocols for disease control, nutrition, and breeding.
- Biosecurity Frameworks: National biosecurity manuals adopted by aquaculture facilities.
- Digital Platforms: Centralized data systems for licensing, traceability, and production monitoring.
- Global Collaborations: MOUs with Norway, Chile, and Thailand for aquaculture technology exchange.
Certifications and Compliance
- GlobalG.A.P. Certified Farms under program guidance.
- ISO 22000 standards in food safety applied in associated processing facilities.
- Veterinary Quarantine Regulations enforced for imports/exports in line with OIE guidelines.
Customer Testimonials
Several success stories featured in MEWA publications highlight how small-scale shrimp farms have transformed into major exporters, citing support from NLFDP in licensing, biosecurity training, and market access facilitation.
Major Achievements
- Achieved over 100,000 MT/year aquaculture production by 2023.
- Recognized as a model for public-private partnership in agricultural development by FAO.
- Led the creation of the National Aquaculture Development Plan 2030.
- Developed biosecurity protocols that reduced shrimp disease outbreak rates by over 70% from 2018 to 2023.
