Saudi Arabia Leads the Charge in Sustainable Agriculture
In the face of climate change, agriculture is under threat, jeopardizing food security and livelihoods worldwide. Saudi Arabia, however, is stepping up with innovative and sustainable farming practices to combat these challenges.
The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture
Rising summer temperatures are causing crop yields to shrink and water scarcity to increase, leading to potential food insecurity and higher prices in both local and global markets.
Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with 24 percent of human-induced emissions coming from agriculture, forestry, and land use activities, as reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Adopting Sustainable Agriculture Practices
To address these environmental challenges and adapt to changing conditions, governments and businesses worldwide are embracing new technologies and methods in pursuit of sustainable agriculture.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN highlights that sustainable strategies in agriculture and forestry can enhance adaptive capacity and mitigate climate change if implemented effectively.
Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives
Saudi Arabia has implemented various sustainable agriculture initiatives, such as promoting the use of treated water for irrigation and adopting soilless farming techniques to meet the demands of a shifting demographic.
With the urban population projected to increase significantly by 2045, Saudi Arabia is exploring urban farming technologies like vertical farming and soilless culture as potential solutions.
The Rise of Vertical Farming
Vertical farming, a method of growing plants without soil using water-based nutrient delivery systems like hydroponics, offers a more controlled and efficient way of cultivating crops while conserving water and reducing pesticide use.
This technique is particularly beneficial for regions facing water scarcity, poor soil fertility, salinity, or sodicity, enabling year-round crop production and sustainability.
Estidamah’s Vertical Farming Program
The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Estidamah, is leading the charge in optimizing crop production through vertical farming, focusing on leafy vegetables and strawberries.
Supported by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Estidamah’s success in cultivating high-yield strawberries showcases the immense potential of sustainable agriculture practices in Saudi Arabia.
Wadi Bin Hashbal: A Sustainable Agricultural Marvel
Wadi Bin Hashbal, located in the Asir region, stands as the world’s largest sustainable research farm, recognized by Guinness World Records for its innovative use of treated water irrigation and sustainable practices.
By utilizing treated water for irrigation and conducting rigorous quality monitoring, Wadi Bin Hashbal demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Implications for Climate-Vulnerable Nations
The success of Saudi Arabia’s sustainable agriculture projects serves as a beacon of hope for climate-vulnerable nations worldwide. By showcasing the possibility of sustainable crop production in challenging environments, Saudi Arabia paves the way for a more resilient agricultural future.