MENA Aquaponic and Hydroponic Farming Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2023-2030)

Aquaponics is a food production system that combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, crayfish, snails, or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) whereby the nutrient-rich aquaculture water is fed to hydroponically grown plants. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, where nutrient-rich water solutions are used to give plants the essential elements they need for growth. The increasing awareness and emphasis on food security and self-sufficiency in the MENA region have spurred interest in innovative farming practices. Hydroponics and aquaponics systems provide a means to locally produce fresh and nutritious crops, reducing reliance on imported food supplies. The controlled environment of these systems minimizes external dependencies, offering a more resilient and secure food production method. As a result, the dual benefits of water efficiency and enhanced food security are propelling the adoption and growth of hydroponics and aquaponics farming in the MENA region.

The MENA Aquaponic and hydroponic farming Market is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of 15.56% during the forecast period (2023-2030). This is mainly due to the water scarcity and arid climate in MENA region hydroponics and aquaponics offer water-efficient alternatives to traditional soil-based agriculture, addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity and ability to thrive in controlled environments in the MENA region.

Based on the system type, the market is segmented into the nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture (DWC), media-based systems, and others. The deep water culture (DWC) category expected to grow with a higher CAGR during the forecast period in (2023-2030). This is mainly due to the growth of soilless farming in the MENA region. DWC suspends plant roots directly in a nutrient solution, promoting optimal nutrient uptake and oxygenation. This method is particularly beneficial in regions with high temperatures, such as the MENA countries, as the water serves as a heat sink, stabilizing root temperature.

By cultivation the market is segmented into the fruits and vegetables, fish, herbs, flowers. The fruits and vegetables category held a significant share of the market owing to the improved food security and a more diversified agricultural landscape in the region. Moreover, hydroponic provide a controlled environment where variables such as nutrient levels, temperature, and light can be precisely managed, leading to increased yields and enhanced quality of fruits and vegetables.

By end-user, the aquaponic & hydroponic market has been classified into commercial, home production, research & education. The commercial category held a significant share of the market in 2022. This is mainly due to the need for sustainable and efficient agriculture to meet the demands of a growing population. The commercial sector benefits from the ability of these systems to produce high-quality, consistent crops year-round, independent of seasonal variations.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the aquaponic and hydroponic farming industry, the MENA market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, and the Rest of MENA. The Saudi Arabia is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. In Saudi Arabia, the growth of hydroponics and aquaponics is fueled by a similar need for sustainable agriculture in arid climates. The country's Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy that include strategic goals for achieving food security through advanced agricultural practices. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to implement food security strategies by preventing food waste, while the UAE's Vision 2021 includes a goal of achieving sustainable agriculture and food security. Hydroponics and aquaponics enable efficient use of water resources, minimize environmental impact, and enhance local food production. Government support, combined with a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable farming, has led to increased interest and investment in these soilless cultivation methods in Saudi Arabia.

Some of the major players operating in the market include: NIZINE GENERAL TRADING L.L.C, Emirates Hydroponics Farms, Mowreq, Crop One, Intelligent Growth Solutions Limited, NETAFIM, Madar farms, BADIA FARMS, AeroFarms, Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems.