Agricultural technologies in Saudi Arabia refer to the use of both biological and technological tools in the field of agriculture. Commonly known as “agricultural technology” or “agritech,” it is a branch of agricultural science that involves the application of scientific tools such as genetic engineering, molecular marker analysis, molecular diagnostics, vaccine science, and tissue culture. All these scientific disciplines are dedicated to achieving a broader concept: the modification of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Biotechnologies for crop development—an essential component of agricultural technology—have evolved to the point where, by the late 20th century, they made it possible to introduce desirable traits into agricultural products. This involves transforming one type of crop into another that is genetically modified to have favorable characteristics in terms of flavor, flower color, growth rate, and yield. Additionally, these modified crops gain advantages such as resistance to agricultural diseases and pests.
Types of Agricultural Technologies
The use of modern agricultural technologies is a key component of the strategy to develop the agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia under the umbrella of Vision 2030. These methods vary widely, with some relying on livestock or mineral-based systems.
At the forefront of the agricultural development plan is the Hydroponic System—one of the most widely used agricultural technologies. This system enables plant cultivation without soil, using a medium such as rock wool. It requires several key conditions, including:
- Automated control of cooling, heating, and ventilation
- Automated irrigation and fertilization units
- A sterilization system for recycled and reused water
- Automated control system for all operations inside the greenhouse
Following hydroponics is the Vertical Farming System, one of the intensive systems designed to maximize space utilization. It uses plastic pipes or multi-tiered tables to increase yield per unit area. Vertical farming also requires several essential conditions, including:
- Climate control for cooling, heating, and ventilation
- Automated irrigation and fertilization units
- A sterilization system for recycled and reused water
- Automated control system for all greenhouse systems
- Insulated walls and roof panels for energy efficiency
The Aquaponics System, also referred to as Integrated Farming, combines plant cultivation with fish farming. This type of agricultural technology relies on a closed-loop system where plants are nourished by fish waste, and in turn, the plants help purify the water. For this technique to be successful, several key conditions must be met:
- Climate control for cooling, heating, ventilation, as well as irrigation and fertilization systems
- Automated units for irrigation, fertilization, water circulation, and oxygen injection
- A sterilization system for recycled and reused water
- Automated control system for all operations within the greenhouse
Agricultural Technologies for Grain Crops
Dry Seeding (Zira’a ‘Afir):
This method uses a seed drill machine when planting grain crops using the dry seeding technique. It helps ensure uniform seed distribution and consistent planting depth, resulting in more uniform plant growth. The land is plowed twice in perpendicular directions to prepare it well for seed growth. This method also facilitates weed control and reduces the amount of seed required. Dry seeding with a seed drill is particularly preferred in irrigated lands.
Broadcast Dry Seeding (Zira’a ‘Afir Biddar):
In this method, seeds are manually broadcast across the field and then covered to encourage strong germination. The seed depth should not exceed 5 cm. After sowing, the land is divided and irrigated.
Moist Seeding (Zira’a Harati):
This method is used in fields infested with weeds. The land is first irrigated well in advance to encourage weed growth. It is then plowed twice in perpendicular directions. Seeds are scattered immediately after plowing, followed by a third perpendicular plowing and leveling to facilitate irrigation.
Rainfed Farming (Zira’a Matariyya):
In rainfed grain cultivation, approximately 100 kg of seed per hectare is required. The land is plowed twice in perpendicular directions—the first plowing occurs after the previous season’s harvest, and the second during the first half of November to improve water retention from rainfall. A third plowing is carried out after sufficient rain for germination. Seeds are broadcast immediately after the rain. Land leveling is not necessary, as compacted soil helps direct rainwater as surface runoff.
Agricultural Technology Hackathon in Al-Qassim
In the same educational context, the Al-Qassim region witnessed the launch of the first international hackathon specialized in agricultural technologies. The event was organized by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), represented by the Badir Program for Technology Incubators and Accelerators, in partnership with the Prince Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Community Foundation “Mujtamaei.”
The aim of the hackathon was to develop technological solutions and innovative ideas to help address the growing challenges and issues in the agricultural sector.
The first edition of the “Agricultural Technologies Hackathon” forms part of the Kingdom’s efforts to foster a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and to enhance the efficiency of this promising industry in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
As a means of enhancing the use of technological innovation to tackle increasing agricultural challenges, the hackathon sought to create tech-based solutions to issues such as pests and agricultural pest control. This was achieved through the use of data and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for predicting, forecasting, and preventing pests using smart solutions.