Journal ID : AMA-07-02-2023-11999
[This article belongs to Volume - 54, Issue - 02]
Total View : 415

Title : Agricultural Expansion in Saudi Arabia: A Challenging Present and Demanding Prospect

Abstract :

Even though the environmental conditions for farming are subpar in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the agriculture sector is still given considerable support. With the help of its five-year development plans, the state has been working hard to improve its agricultural sector and thereby secure the state's food security. Farmers were able to increase agricultural productivity and become somewhat self-sufficient as a result of the government's favourable policies and the extension service's expert advice. Wheat, dates, watermelons, chicken, fresh eggs, and milk are only some of the goods that the state is now exporting, according to the state's abundant published material. Wheat, sorghum, barley, and millet are only a few of the cereals grown in the kingdom in areas with plentiful water. Besides tomatoes and watermelons, eggplants, potatoes, cucumbers, and onions are also cultivated. Date-palm, citrus, and grape output have all shown positive responses. The ultimate goal of any agricultural effort is to ensure that people will never go hungry again. The country fulfilled its agricultural potential in order to feed its growing population, but this came at the expense of excessive use of its natural resources. A new initiative to grow crops with lower water requirements has been launched by the government. There is widespread agreement among policymakers, academics, and scientists that excessive water use is not viable in the long run. The environment must be protected while a sustainable equilibrium is kept between agricultural output and the use of its resources, especially water. Due to the current state of affairs, the job of Agricultural Extension is more difficult and time-consuming than ever before. Since the farms are overseen by foreign workers who don't speak Arabic or English, the state's extension activity is particularly challenging and fraught with complications. To further the cause of environmentally responsible farming in Saudi Arabia, researchers at King Saud University (KSU) established an Extension Centre.

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