Saudi Arabia to prioritise smart farming to improve small livestock, meat production

SAUDI ARABIA – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is piloting a digital livestock management system that uses facial recognition technology to monitor the health and productivity of small ruminants on local farms.

The Saudi Smart Flock system, launched under the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme (Saudi Reef), was implemented on six farms last year as part of efforts to modernise small-scale animal farming.

According to Majed Al-Buraikan, the programme’s spokesperson, the system identifies animals using facial features, tracks their productivity, monitors health, and stores farm records in one platform.

The tool is designed for both traditional and intensive livestock farms and is aimed at reducing losses and improving herd quality through more accurate and timely data.

It also supports decision-making by giving farmers up-to-date insights into animal performance and overall farm management.

The initiative is part of Saudi Reef’s broader goal to enhance the income of small-scale farmers and increase national food production through improved livestock systems.

The livestock sector in Saudi Arabia plays a central role in rural economies, with millions of animals reared in traditional holdings across the Kingdom.

Recent data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) shows there are approximately 22 million sheep, 7.4 million goats, and 2.2 million camels in the country.

Among the sheep, 80.7% are female and 19.3% are male, while camels are mainly older stock, with 68% aged four years and above.

In addition to traditional herding, specialised farms have become key contributors to milk production, with the Riyadh region leading in raw milk output.

The poultry industry also maintains a strong presence, with large-scale broiler chicken production concentrated in areas such as Riyadh and Makkah.

Saudi Reef’s focus on digital innovation and smart farming tools is part of a national strategy to support rural development and improve food security.

The programme continues to roll out targeted initiatives that address the challenges faced by small livestock farmers, including limited access to technology, data, and veterinary care.

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