Riyadh: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef) has stressed that the support provided to beneficiaries in the rainfed crop sector has significantly helped them overcome financial and marketing challenges, as well as issues related to providing production inputs, fertilizers, and pesticides. The program noted that the number of beneficiaries in the sector reached 3,284, with total support amounting to SAR36 million. This support led to a production of 43,000 tons annually in 2023, marking a 22% increase since the program's launch in 2020. The program aims to reach a production of 208,000 tons per year by 2026. The program also referred to completing several projects contributing to the sector's development along the value chain. Among the most important is the agricultural mechanization initiative, which includes seven projects ranging from supply and operation to research, development, and training. Also, there is the rainfed crops research unit project, which focuses on testing improved varieties and good agricultural practices, and the model farms project, which aims to apply a package of practices and techniques among leading farmers in targeted areas and then transfer them to other farmers. Source: Saudi Press Agency