Saudi Arabia Adopts Smart Agriculture to Combat Water Scarcity
Saudi Arabia, one of the world's most water-stressed nations, is increasingly turning to smart agricultural technologies to address its severe water scarcity issues. With renewable freshwater resources estimated at under 100 cubic meters per person annually, the country faces a long-term structural challenge in sustaining its agriculture. The Kingdom is promoting technologies such as hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical farming, and high-tech greenhouses to reduce water use while maintaining high productivity. These methods can significantly cut water consumption compared to traditional farming, with hydroponic systems reducing water use by up to 90%. This shift is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals to expand local food production amid a growing population and climate change pressures.