Barley prices have continued to rise in the Saudi market for up to SR54 (US$14.4) per bag of 50 kilograms, despite attempts by the concerned authorities to keep prices down. According to the price index of the Saudi Ministry of Commerce, barley prices rose last week by about SR2.39. It should be noted that barley is the major component of animal feed in the kingdom.
For his part, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Balghunaim said that the prices of barley are linked to global markets in terms. He added that the imported barley is causing the high prices, adding that locally grown is insignificant to the Kingdom.
He pointed out during an open meeting held with farmers in the area of Al-Jouf that parts of the kingdom were dried up because of depletion of water and thus the use of water must be wiser.
