Mongolia launches US$3.4M smart greenhouse project to boost food security
The country is banking on year-round production and training to support sustainable agriculture.
MONGOLIA – Mongolia has officially launched the National Smart Greenhouse Complex in Ulaanbaatar, aiming to improve food security and support local farmers through modern farming practices.
With a budget of US$3.42 million, the greenhouse complex will run from 2025 to 2028. It will include advanced and medium-tech greenhouses, open-field smart farms, vertical farming units, a vegetable research center, a training hall, a processing facility, an inventory warehouse, and an agricultural technology park.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 18, 2025, in the 11th Khoroo of Bayanzurkh District.
The Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry (MOFALI) is leading the project, in partnership with the Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry Research and Development Center, Hankyong National University of South Korea, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
A strategic move for a harsh climate
“Mongolia’s severe winters and limited arable land mean that we must invest in technology that allows us to grow food consistently,” said a MOFALI spokesperson.
“This complex supports that goal, and more importantly, it helps our farmers increase income and adopt new farming methods.”
The ministry has announced that it will host expert meetings, on-site training, and technical sessions for farmers and researchers. The phased training will focus on smart greenhouse operations, farming systems, and climate-friendly practices.
AI systems will manage lighting, temperature, and humidity to keep conditions steady, even during Mongolia’s extreme winters.
“This is not just about growing vegetables,” said an official from the Research and Development Center. “It’s about preparing a new generation of farmers who can operate modern systems and produce food all year.”
How Mongolia compares to Africa’s broader push
According to the World Bank and the Science for Africa Foundation, Africa’s approach to smart farming is more scattered but covers a wider area.
Countries like Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa are each advancing through AI tools, mobile services, and partnerships with agritech startups.
For example, according to a report by AGRA and Dalberg, Aerobotics, a firm based in South Africa, uses drone technology to reduce crop losses by nearly 30 percent. In Kenya, Apollo Agriculture bundles mobile-based credit, insurance, and advisory services.
Their model has helped raise farmer incomes by 57 percent and increase yields by 168 percent.
Africa’s strength lies in its flexible approach. Southern Africa focuses on biotech and robotics. East Africa leans on mobile-first solutions, while North Africa invests in greenhouse farming for exports.
By contrast, Mongolia’s model is centralized and climate-resilient. According to the FAO-China South-South Cooperation program, which backs Mongolia’s efforts with projects worth over US$130 million, stable infrastructure and smart systems are key in regions with short growing seasons and long winters.
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