The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia produces a variety of essential vegetables, including potatoes, both for local consumption and for export to neighboring States. Vegetable cultivation is carried out on modern agricultural principles of controlled environment; and the operations of preparation and packing of produce employ the most modern techniques, as required for modern markets. By the end of 1997, the Kingdom produced about 2,600,000 tons of fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, watermelons, potatoes and cucumbers. Production of fruits exceeded 1,150,000 tons.