Market size and demand drivers
Saudi Arabia imports approximately 60,000-90,000 MT of alfalfa seeds annually. Demand drivers:
- Dairy and livestock sector modernization — Government programs and private investment in high-protein forage
- Soil rotation and nitrogen fixation — Alfalfa as rotation crop to restore depleted fields
- Pre-export livestock fattening — Alfalfa-rich rations for cattle and sheep finishing operations
- Food security policy — Reducing dependency on imported dairy through local feed crop production
Variety selection for Saudi Arabia climate
Saudi Arabia is hot-arid throughout (Köppen BWh). Summer 42-48°C in Riyadh, Hail, Qassim. TAIZTAR is the only viable variety. Some elevated Asir province microclimates can use either variety.
Logistics — Karachi to Saudi Arabia
| Origin | Destination | Transit | Carriers | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karachi (KICT) | Jeddah Islamic Port | 6-8 days | Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO | Daily |
| Karachi | Dammam (King Abdulaziz Port) | 5-7 days | Maersk, MSC, ONE, Hapag-Lloyd | Daily |
| Karachi | Jubail Commercial Port | 6-8 days | MSC, CMA CGM | 3-4/week |
| Karachi | Yanbu Commercial Port | 8-10 days | CMA CGM | Weekly |
Phytosanitary requirements (Saudi Arabia)
The SFDA (Saudi Food & Drug Authority) + MEWA (Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture) requires:
- MEWA import permit (buyer obtains in advance — we provide all documentation support)
- Phytosanitary Certificate from Pakistan DPP with '0.00% Cuscuta spp.' additional declaration
- ISTA Orange Certificate (purity ≥99.5%, germination ≥85%)
- Certificate of Origin (GCC certificate of origin if buyer is GCC-registered)
- Pre-shipment fumigation certificate
- Arabic translation of all documents (we provide)
- SASO conformity certificate (commodity-specific)
Top Saudi Arabia alfalfa importers
- Almarai (largest dairy in Middle East)
- Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO)
- Nadec (Hail headquarters)
- Al Safi Danone
- Al Rabie Saudi Foods
- Arasco (animal feed)
- Al Watania Poultry (Qassim)
Kohenoor International maintains relationships with multiple importing agents in Saudi Arabia. Request introductions when you submit your inquiry.
Pricing
We dont publish a fixed price list because every export deal is unique. Pricing depends on quantity, variety, destination port, packaging, payment terms, and current market conditions.
Get your tailored quote within 24 hours - formal proforma invoice with pricing locked for 14 days. Submit your inquiry - WhatsApp Sales
Saudi Arabia alfalfa quote — proforma in 24 hours
FOB Karachi or CIF major Saudi Arabia port · ISTA Orange Certificate · LC at sight or TT 50/50
💬 WhatsApp Sales 📧 EmailPayment terms and currency routing for Saudi Arabia
USD LC at sight via Saudi National Bank (NCB merged with Samba), Al Rajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, Saudi British Bank (SABB). Major Saudi buyers (Almarai, Nadec, SADAFCO) typically issue irrevocable LC from prime banks. T/T 50/50 acceptable for repeat trade.
Currency note: SAR (Saudi Riyal) pegged to USD at 3.75 — both currencies acceptable. International settlements always in USD.
About Kohenoor International
Pakistani exporter since 1957. ISO 9001:2015, HACCP, ISTA-accredited. Ships alfalfa seeds and forage crops to 70+ countries. 24-hour response to inquiries via WhatsApp and email.