Singapore, Jan. 16, 2026 — Under a strategic technology-scouting framework guided by Universal Materials Incubator, the National Agricultural Development Company has partnered to initiate large-scale field trials of EF Polymer, representing a major advancement in implementing deep-tech solutions to enhance the Kingdom’s food and water security.
The partnership launches trials of EF Polymer’s proprietary product, a fully organic, biodegradable powder that functions like a “soil battery” derived from upcycled food waste. Designed to combat water scarcity in dry and semi-dry areas, the substance can soak up to 50 times its weight in water and slowly deliver moisture straight to plant roots. This process could cut irrigation water consumption by as much as 40 percent, while boosting crop yields and sustainable agricultural output.
In addition to conserving water, EF Polymer enhances nutrient retention by decreasing fertilizer runoff, which lowers fertilizer needs. After about a year in the ground, the material completely breaks down into organic carbon, organic matter, and micronutrients like magnesium, calcium, and nitrogen, directly improving soil condition and lasting fertility.
The product is cost-effective, simple to use, and appropriate for numerous crop types, making it practical for both small-scale farmers and large agricultural enterprises like NADEC.
EF Polymer has already gained substantial market traction in several international markets, including Japan, the US, India, and Turkiye, where farmers and agricultural businesses actively utilize it to enhance water efficiency, soil quality, and crop durability across diverse climate conditions.
Its organic certifications from OMRI and Ecocert confirm its compatibility with sustainable and regenerative farming methods.
The importance of this collaboration is significant. By 2030, worldwide freshwater demand is expected to surpass supply by 40 percent. In Saudi Arabia, the issue is specific yet severe: farming alone uses roughly 11.4 billion cubic meters of water each year. This alliance highlights NADEC’s dedication to embracing innovative, scalable solutions that preserve natural resources and bolster robust food systems throughout the Kingdom.
Mohamed Al-Rajhi, NADEC’s Vice President of Supply Chain, stated: “Modern strategic farming demands a sustained focus on soil health and resource cycling. NADEC is pioneering the transition to regenerative methods that replenish our natural assets instead of just depleting them. Through crop diversification and investment in closed-loop nutrient systems, we are protecting our operations from international price fluctuations and environmental changes.”
“We are rapidly implementing AI-powered irrigation and satellite crop surveillance to maximize water efficiency and land utilization. This strategic move toward agricultural digitization enables us to address climate challenges instantly while markedly decreasing our carbon emissions. Our sustainability pledge is our key competitive edge, securing NADEC’s position as the foundation of the Middle East’s agri-food industry for years ahead. These trials target strategically expandable crops such as wheat and olive trees to guarantee the Kingdom’s future food security is both sustainable and domestically anchored,” he concluded.
Key trial objectives:
- Wheat: Testing has begun to show water conservation in this high-water-use crop.
- Olive and blueberry: Targeted assessments are set for March to measure yield gains and nutrient effectiveness.
This partnership advances Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to cut non-renewable groundwater consumption by 90 percent
About NADEC
For more than four decades, the National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC) has been a transformative force in the food sector, propelled by forward-thinking strategies and bold objectives. These initiatives have established NADEC as a premier producer and distributor of food and beverages in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. Recently, the company has synchronized its expansion with Saudi Vision 2030 targets, especially in promoting food security.
Established in the early 1980s, NADEC became the first agricultural firm listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange. Since then, it has maintained its pioneering position in advancing the Kingdom’s drive toward food self-sufficiency.
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