The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) has initiated a series of research projects on over 10 promising crops, as part of its efforts to promote agricultural development and contribute to the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in economically important crops. The crops being studied are: quinoa, azolla, guar, jojoba, stevia, moringa, asparagus, millet, sesbania, clitoria and safflower. These crops have various uses; some serve as food crops, others as industrial crops, and some as non-traditional fodder crops. The research projects, to be carried out in Al-Kharj, Jizan, AlUla, and Najran, will be overseen by a team of experts and researchers. Estidamah Director General Abdulrahman Al-Saghir emphasized the importance of such initiatives in developing the agricultural sector in the Kingdom. He said that the research and studies have been selected to meet the needs of farmers and investors, with a specific focus on crops of economic and agricultural signific ance that are known for their low water consumption and their ability to thrive in the environmental conditions of the Kingdom. This endeavor is part of a comprehensive strategy designed to strengthen food security and attain self-sufficiency in the country, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. Source: Saudi Press Agency