RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s vast agricultural regions are being transformed by the introduction of advanced technologies.
Despite challenges such as water scarcity, inefficient practices, and harsh climatic conditions, the incorporation of IoT technology in agriculture is creating an optimistic outlook.
This transformative approach promises to revolutionize traditional agricultural practices and provide a path to a more resilient and prosperous future for Saudi Arabia’s farmers.
Speaking to Arab News, economist and policy advisor Mahmoud Khairy said improving productivity, resource efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural sector are the main factors driving the adoption of IoT applications in Saudi Arabia.
“These technologies enable farmers to monitor and manage their crops and livestock more effectively, leading to improved yields and reduced costs,” he said.
“Compared to, say, five years ago, there has been much more adoption of these relatively new technologies,” Phil Webster, partner at management consulting firm Arthur D. Little, told Arab News.
As the country adopts IoT solutions, it will pave the way for sustainable agriculture where productivity, efficiency, and environmental stewardship blend to create a brighter future.
Changing agricultural practices
The application of IoT in smart agriculture is revolutionizing traditional farming practices. With the help of sensors, actuators and connected devices, farmers can collect real-time data on various parameters that are critical for crop growth.
It collects and analyzes data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity, livestock health and crop growth to make informed decisions. This data-driven approach helps farmers optimize resource use, improve crop yields and minimize environmental impact.
Mishkat, a company specializing in sustainable and productive agriculture, highlighted initiatives such as vertical farming and impressive greenhouse facilities, demonstrating the great potential of IoT technology in overcoming challenges.
The company prioritises sustainability, safety and health, aiming to produce nutritious, authentic and trustworthy food whilst minimising its impact on the environment.
“We want to produce high-quality agricultural products with maximum resource efficiency and become Saudi Arabia’s leader in sustainable and productive agricultural techniques,” Mishkat said.
The company’s unique blend of vertical farming and greenhouse cultivation provides a sustainable solution for local, pesticide-free, water-efficient production.
Located on the outskirts of Jeddah, the Mishkat agricultural facility combines vertical farming and advanced greenhouse technology to provide a sustainable solution for local, pesticide-free, water-efficient production.
This unique blend of technologies presents a compelling vision for the future of agriculture in drylands. Their facilities include vertical farms, where crops are grown in stacks.
Reminiscent of a multi-storey tower, the design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a clever solution to land scarcity.
These technologies enable farmers to monitor and manage their crops and livestock more effectively, leading to better yields and reduced costs.
Mahmoud Khairy, Economist and Policy Advisor
Complementing the vertical farm, Mishkat has two state-of-the-art greenhouses. These structures are equipped with advanced climate control systems to provide the perfect environment for plant growth.
The greenhouses regulate factors such as temperature, humidity and light, ensuring the crops inside are protected from the harsh climatic conditions typical of the outskirts of Jeddah.
The Mishkat headquarters is unique for several reasons: it is one of the first commercial vertical farms in Saudi Arabia, features a rare greenhouse and vertical hybrid agriculture facility, and is one of the few certified organic controlled environment farms in the world.
In Riyadh, Bather Farm is redefining urban agriculture with its cutting-edge vertical farming system.
Bather Farm utilizes Agritecture Designer farm planning software and iFarm technology to optimise crop production in arid conditions.
“At Bazaar Farms, we envision a greener and healthier Saudi Arabia, where agriculture gives more to people and the planet than it takes away,” the company says on its website.
The project highlights the potential of CEA to transform local agriculture and pave the way towards food security and sustainability.
The convergence of technology and agriculture highlights the potential for reconciling urban life with sustainable agricultural practices.
Digital agriculture stimulates the economy
Mahmoud Khairy, an economist and policy advisor, stressed the importance of implementing advanced agricultural solutions in Saudi Arabia.
Khairy stressed that the adoption of IoT-enabled agricultural technologies and precision agriculture practices aligns with the country’s broader economic and agricultural development goals.
“By adopting these technologies, the country aims to modernize its agriculture sector, create employment opportunities and reduce dependency on food imports,” he added, stressing that these advances will increase food security, diversify the economy and minimize water use in agriculture.
Kiley further noted that adopting a data-driven approach to optimise crop yields and resource efficiency could bring a range of economic benefits.
Leveraging data analytics, farmers can make more informed decisions, leading to improved productivity, increased revenue and greater profitability.
Partnerships and collaborations play a key role in facilitating the adoption and retention of digital technologies in agriculture.
Phil Webster, Arthur D. Little’s partner
Khairy stressed that compared to traditional methods, data-driven approaches offer more precise and scientific agricultural management methods, thereby improving productivity and resource efficiency, ensuring long-term economic viability and sustainability.
According to Khairy, IoT-enabled agricultural technologies in Saudi Arabia’s agriculture sector play a key role in improving productivity and sustainability through precise monitoring and control, resource efficiency and remote management.
“These technologies, such as sensors and drones, provide real-time data on soil quality, crop health and pest infestations, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization and pest control,” he explained.
Government support and cooperation
For IoT technology to reach its full potential in Saudi Arabia’s agriculture, government support and cooperation is paramount.
Initiatives like the National Agriculture Development Corporation’s AI solution demonstrate the importance of leveraging technology for agricultural development.
Policymakers can encourage widespread adoption of IoT technologies by facilitating collaboration among stakeholders and providing financial support.
Additionally, investments in research and development, infrastructure, and training programs are essential to equip farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively adopt IoT solutions.
Furthermore, partnerships between government agencies, agricultural extension services, technology providers and academic institutions can foster knowledge sharing and innovation in the agricultural sector.
“Partnerships and collaborations play a key role in accelerating the adoption and retention of digital technologies in agriculture,” Arthur D. Little’s Webster emphasized.
He added: “A key part of these collaborations is ensuring proper management of the data collected at every stage of the food chain, from farm to fork.”
Webster explained that data governance is about “clarifying how data (and associated metadata) is collected, in what form, by whom (e.g. different parts of the agri-food supply chain, regulators, governments) and under what circumstances.”
He stressed that such aspects are important in ensuring that business models involving the use and monetization of data function effectively.
Webster also called on farmers to take advantage of the Saudi government’s wider initiatives and programs to integrate digital technology.
The General Statistics Authority recently launched an inventory of the Kingdom’s agricultural holdings to provide key data on plant and animal production, including cultivated area, production volume, sales volume, crop value and livestock numbers at the local level.
Commenting on the study, Kiley said: “This data will enable policymakers, researchers and agricultural stakeholders to identify areas for improvement, pinpoint the specific challenges farmers face, and customise agricultural solutions to address the unique needs of different regions.”
Saudi Arabia faces challenges of water scarcity, climate change, and food security, making the adoption of IoT technology imperative.
Integrating IoT in agriculture paves the way to overcome these challenges, increase productivity, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Through collaboration, innovation and government support, Saudi Arabia’s farmers can begin their journey towards a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future.
“This future trajectory will undoubtedly continue due to demand, investment and the growing availability of IoT-enabled agricultural technologies,” Webster said.
He suggested the country could soon achieve self-sufficiency or become a net exporter, especially when it comes to products like eggs.
Webster envisioned a revolution in the agricultural supply chain, highlighting the transition to alternative proteins with great potential for semi- or fully automated indoor farming, which promises to increase productivity and reduce production costs.
Khairy said the adoption of Saudi Arabia’s advanced agricultural technologies “will make a significant contribution to global food security and environmental protection efforts.”
He added that by adopting sustainable agricultural practices, Saudi Arabia’s farmers can increase productivity while minimizing their impact on the environment.
“This will not only ensure domestic food security but also position Saudi Arabia to become a major player in the international food supply chain,” Khairy explained.