Saudi Arabia is a desert country with a hot and dry climate, with more than 95 percent of its land covered by deserts and barren deserts. There are no permanent rivers in the country and the average annual rainfall is only about four inches (100 mm). Despite these harsh natural conditions, Saudi Arabia has managed to become one of the largest exporters of vegetables, fruits and dairy products, and in the 1990s became the world’s largest exporter of wheat.
In 2016, the country’s agricultural land reached 35,000 square kilometers, and in the past 60 years, Saudi Arabia has managed to convert 24,000 square kilometers of its arid desert into fertile agricultural land. This amazing transformation raises many questions. How has a country that naturally has no signs of agriculture been able to achieve this success? Can the country continue on this path and manage its resources?
In this article, we will analyze this puzzle in detail and examine the secrets of Saudi Arabia’s success in agriculture despite its difficult natural conditions.
Exploring the Natural Conditions and Challenges of Agriculture in Saudi Arabia
Desert Climate and Climate Constraints
Saudi Arabia is located in a region with a hot desert climate. The country is located in the arid and semi-arid region of the world, and most of its area consists of dry deserts where there are no permanent rivers. The average annual rainfall in the country is about 4 inches (100 mm), which is much less than is needed for large-scale agriculture. For this reason, most of the country’s land is unusable for agriculture.
However, in recent years, the country has been able to become one of the largest producers and exporters of agricultural products in the region by using modern technologies and advanced agricultural techniques.
Limited Water Resources and Groundwater Use
Water is one of the most limited resources in Saudi Arabia. The country lacks natural water resources such as rivers or large lakes and relies mostly on its underground reserves to provide water for agriculture and other public uses. These water reserves, which are located deep in the ground, are considered one of the most important agricultural challenges in the country due to environmental constraints and the risks of declining water levels.
To deal with the shortage of water resources, Saudi Arabia has addressed modern irrigation techniques and the optimal use of groundwater.
Modern irrigation methods in Saudi Arabia
Using rotary irrigation systems
One of the best and most effective irrigation methods in Saudi Arabia is rotary irrigation systems, which have been used in the country for more than five decades. This system, invented by Frank Seibach, is widely used, especially in dry and desert areas like Saudi Arabia.
In the rotary irrigation system, irrigation is carried out in a circular manner. This system consists of a central axis and an irrigation pipe that rotates around this axis and irrigates large areas of land evenly. This system can also use pesticides and chemical fertilizers to nourish plants at the same time, which increases productivity and reduces the need for natural resources.
Reducing water and energy consumption
One of the biggest challenges in agriculture in Saudi Arabia is the high consumption of water and energy. The rotary irrigation system is specially designed to reduce the consumption of these resources. By using low water pressure and uniform rotation, this system minimizes water consumption and saves significant water consumption.
In addition to reducing water consumption, this method also helps reduce energy consumption. Especially in areas where energy is expensive, this irrigation system can significantly increase efficiency by reducing the costs associated with pumps and irrigation equipment.
Turning Deserts into Fertile Land
Modern Agricultural Techniques and Soil Improvement
Saudi Arabia has been able to turn a large part of its deserts into fertile land over the past few decades by using advanced agricultural technologies. The country has used modern methods such as soil aeration, precision irrigation, and the use of chemical and organic fertilizers to improve the soil.
With these methods, they have been able to add the nutrients necessary for plant growth to the soil, thus transforming their infertile lands into fertile fields. These techniques have helped Saudi farmers produce crops such as wheat, vegetables, and fresh fruits at a time when many countries are facing severe agricultural problems.
Major Agricultural Projects and Self-Sufficiency
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has put major agricultural projects on its agenda. One of the largest of these projects is the Eastern Agricultural Project, which aims to achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural production and reduce dependence on imports. These projects include the construction of large dams, the establishment of irrigated farms using modern methods, and the equipping of farms with advanced systems for the optimal use of water resources.
In addition to these projects, Saudi Arabia has also achieved significant successes in the production of agricultural products such as wheat, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. In particular, in the 1990s, the country became the largest exporter of wheat in the world.
Challenges and Future of Agriculture in Saudi Arabia
Environmental Problems and Water Crisis
Despite great successes in agriculture, Saudi Arabia continues to face environmental problems and water crises. Due to the excessive use of groundwater resources and the excessive growth of water consumption in various sectors, groundwater levels have rapidly decreased and environmental crises have arisen in various regions of the country.
Therefore, to maintain the sustainability of agriculture and water resources in the future, Saudi Arabia must seek more sustainable solutions and optimal use of its natural resources.
Future Prospects for Agriculture in Saudi Arabia
Due to limited water resources and existing environmental challenges, Saudi Arabia is seeking to develop sustainable and optimal agricultural methods. The use of modern technologies in irrigation, soil improvement, water resource management, and the use of renewable resources such as solar energy can guarantee the future of the country’s agriculture.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s experience in transforming deserts into fertile lands and using advanced agricultural techniques demonstrates humanity’s ability to confront major natural challenges and create positive change in difficult circumstances.
