Agricultural Technologies in Saudi Arabia

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.

One of the palm farms in the Qassim region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (SPA – Saudi Press Agency)

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.

Integrating Digital Transformation in Agriculture to Maximize Efficiency

nnovation in Agriculture Through Technology

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is working to revolutionize its agricultural sector by adopting smart farming technologies as a key component of its national digital transformation strategy. By leveraging advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain, the Kingdom aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of agricultural activities. This innovative approach helps optimize the use of critical resources such as water and fertilizers, while also enabling the monitoring of crop health and soil conditions—significantly reducing waste and improving yield rates.

Strategic Deployment of AI and IoT in Agriculture

The strategic use of AI and IoT forms a core pillar of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural transformation. These technologies are used to advance precision agriculture methods, where everything from irrigation systems to pest control is managed in an automated and highly accurate manner. AI contributes by analyzing data from satellite imagery and field sensors to inform decisions on crop planting and resource allocation. IoT devices are widely deployed in the fields to monitor real-time conditions, allowing for quick adjustments to ensure optimal crop growth while conserving resources.

Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency Through Blockchain

Blockchain technology plays a crucial role in improving transparency and efficiency throughout the agricultural supply chain. By using blockchain, Saudi farmers can trace agricultural products from the field to the consumer’s table, ensuring product quality and safety while strengthening market trust. Blockchain also facilitates more effective resource management and minimizes supply chain gaps by maintaining a tamper-proof ledger of all transactions and resource usage, ensuring a transparent system for all stakeholders involved.

Government Initiatives and Public-Private Partnerships

The Saudi government supports the transition to smart farming through a series of initiatives and public-private partnerships. These efforts aim to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge required to adopt modern technologies and practices. By collaborating with global agricultural tech leaders—including renowned Swiss companies known for their precision and reliability—Saudi Arabia ensures its agricultural sector remains advanced and sustainable. These partnerships also promote the exchange of best practices and foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation.

Training and Development for Sustainable Agriculture

Training and development play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of smart farming practices across the Kingdom. Both the public and private sectors offer numerous programs to educate farmers and agricultural professionals on the benefits of new technologies and how to use them. These training programs are essential to promoting the adoption of smart agriculture nationwide, ensuring that all stakeholders can efficiently utilize these tools to increase productivity and sustainability in their farming operations.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the many benefits of smart agriculture, challenges remain, including high initial costs, technological complexity, and the need to enhance technical literacy among rural workers. However, ongoing government support and international collaboration are helping to overcome these barriers. Looking ahead, the shift toward smart farming is expected to play a vital role in achieving food security and supporting economic diversification goals as outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.