RIYADH: A transformative change is taking place in Saudi Arabia’s vast agricultural lands, driven by the adoption of advanced technologies.
Despite challenges such as water scarcity, inefficient practices and climate challenges, the integration of IoT technologies in agriculture is encouraging.
This transformative approach promises to revolutionize traditional farming practices and offer Saudi farmers a path to a more resilient and prosperous future.
In an interview with Arab News, economist and policy advisor Mahmoud Khairy said that improving productivity, resource efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural sector are key factors influencing the adoption of IoT applications in the Kingdom.
“These technologies enable farmers to monitor and manage crops and livestock more effectively, leading to better yields and lower costs,” he said.
Phil Webster, a partner at consulting firm Arthur D. Little, told Arab News: “We have seen a significant increase in interest in these relatively new technologies compared to, say, five years ago.”
As IoT solutions are implemented, the country embarks on a journey towards sustainable agriculture, where productivity, efficiency and environmental stewardship converge to create a better future.
Transforming agricultural practices
The application of the Internet of Things in smart agriculture is revolutionizing traditional agricultural practices. Farmers can collect real-time data on various parameters crucial to crop growth using sensors, actuators and connected devices.
Data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity, livestock health and plant growth are collected and analyzed to make informed decisions. This data-driven approach enables farmers to optimize resource use, improve yields and minimize environmental impact.
Mishkat, a company specializing in sustainable and high-production agriculture, highlighted its initiatives such as vertical farming and impressive greenhouse facilities that demonstrate the enormous potential of IoT technology in overcoming challenges.
The company’s goal is to produce nutritious, authentic and trusted food with minimal impact on the environment, prioritizing sustainability, safety and health.
“We aim to be the leading experts in the KSA in sustainable and high-production agricultural techniques, delivering high-quality products with maximum resource efficiency,” says Mishkat.
The unique combination of vertical farming and greenhouse farming offers a sustainable solution for local, pesticide-free and water-saving production.
Located on the outskirts of Jeddah, the Mishkat agricultural facility combines vertical farming with advanced greenhouse technology to offer a sustainable solution for pesticide-free and water-saving local production.
This unique combination of techniques presents a fascinating vision of the future of agriculture in arid regions. Their facility includes a vertical farm where crops are grown in layers.
This design, resembling a multi-level tower, is not only visually impressive – it is an intelligent solution to the problem of land shortages.
These technologies enable farmers to more effectively monitor and manage crops and livestock, leading to higher yields and lower costs.
Mahmoud Khairy, economist and policy advisor
The vertical farm is complemented by Mishkat, which boasts two state-of-the-art greenhouses. These structures, equipped with advanced climate control systems, provide an optimal environment for plant growth.
By modulating factors such as temperature, humidity and light, greenhouses ensure the crops inside are protected from the harsh climatic conditions typical of Jeddah’s suburbs.
The Mishkat site is unique for several reasons: it is one of the first commercial vertical farms in the Kingdom, offers rare greenhouses and hybrid vertical farming facilities, and is one of the few certified, controlled-environment organic farms in the world.
In Riyad, Bather Farm is redefining urban farming with a state-of-the-art vertical farming system.
Using Agritecture Designer farm planning software and iFarm technology, Bather Farm optimizes crop production in an otherwise arid environment.
“At Bather Farm, we imagine a greener, healthier Saudi Arabia where agriculture gives more to people and the planet than it takes,” the company says on its website.
This project highlights CEA’s potential to reinvent regional agriculture, paving the way to food security and sustainable development.
This combination of technology and agriculture highlights the potential to harmonize urban life with sustainable agricultural practices.
E-agriculture drives the economy
Economist and policy advisor Mahmoud Khairy stressed the importance of adopting advanced agricultural solutions in Saudi Arabia.
Khairy emphasized that the use of IoT-based agricultural technologies and precision farming practices is in line with the country’s broader economic and agricultural development goals.
He added: “By leveraging these technologies, the country aims to modernize its agricultural sector, create employment opportunities and reduce its dependence on food imports,” emphasizing that such advances would enhance food security, diversify the economy and minimize agricultural water use.
Moreover, Khairy pointed out that implementing data-driven approaches to optimize yields and efficient use of resources can lead to a number of economic benefits.
By using data analytics, farmers can make more informed decisions, resulting in increased productivity, higher incomes and improved profitability.
Partnerships and collaborations play a key role in promoting the adoption and sustainability of digital technologies in agriculture.
Phil Webster, partner at Arthur D. Little
Khairy emphasized that compared to traditional methods, data-driven approaches offer a more precise and scientific way of managing agricultural activities. Therefore, they increase productivity and efficient use of resources, while ensuring long-term profitability and sustainability.
According to Khairy, IoT-based agricultural technologies in Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector play a key role in improving productivity and sustainability through precise monitoring and management, efficient use of resources and remote management.
“These technologies, such as sensors and drones, provide real-time data on soil quality, crop health and pest infestation, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization and pest control,” he explained.
Government support and cooperation
For IoT technologies to realize their full potential in Saudi Arabia’s agriculture, government support and cooperation are of paramount importance.
Initiatives such as AI solutions from the National Agricultural Development Co. show how important the use of technology is for the development of agriculture.
By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and providing financial support, policymakers can facilitate the widespread adoption of IoT technologies.
Additionally, investments in research and development, infrastructure and training programs are essential to equip farmers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use IoT solutions.
Moreover, partnerships between government agencies, agricultural extension services, technology providers and academic institutions can promote knowledge sharing and innovation in the agricultural sector.
“Partnerships and collaborations play a key role in promoting the adoption and sustainment of digital technologies in agriculture,” emphasized Arthur D. Little’s Webster.
He added: “The most important role of such cooperation is to ensure good management of data collected at all stages of the food chain, from farm to fork.”
Webster explained that data governance is “clarity about how data – and any associated metadata – is collected, in what form and by whom (e.g. different parts of the agri-food supply chain, regulators, government) and according to what circumstances.”
He emphasized the importance of these aspects to ensure the effective functioning of business models involving data use and monetization.
Webster also urged farmers to take advantage of the Saudi Arabian government’s wide range of initiatives and programs aimed at integrating digital technologies.
The Central Statistical Office recently launched a farm inventory survey in the Kingdom to provide necessary data on crop and animal production, including cultivated areas and production volumes, as well as sales volumes, crop values and livestock numbers at the regional level.
Commenting on the study, Khairy said: “With this data, policymakers, researchers and agricultural stakeholders can identify areas for improvement, pinpoint specific challenges facing farmers, and tailor agricultural solutions to meet the unique needs of different regions.”
As Saudi Arabia faces challenges related to water scarcity, climate change and food security, the use of IoT technology is becoming a necessity.
Integrating IoT in agriculture offers a path to overcome these challenges, increase productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Through collaboration, innovation and government support, Saudi farmers can embark on a journey towards a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future.
“Due to both demand and investment, as well as the increasing availability of IoT-based agricultural technologies, this future trajectory will undoubtedly continue,” Webster said.
He suggested that the nation could soon become self-sufficient or become a net exporter, especially of products such as eggs.
Webster predicted a revolution in agricultural supply chains, emphasizing the shift to alternative proteins with enormous potential for semi- or fully automated indoor farming, resulting in higher productivity and reduced production costs.
Khairy said Saudi Arabia’s adoption of advanced agricultural technologies “can make a significant contribution to global food security and environmental protection efforts.”
He added that by incorporating sustainable farming practices, farmers in the Kingdom can increase productivity while minimizing their impact on the environment.
“This not only ensures food security in the country, but also allows Saudi Arabia to potentially become a key player in international food supply chains,” Khairy explained.