Saudi Arabia is mostly known for its deserts. However, over the years large areas of the deserts have been turned into agriculture use. Saudi Arabia exports vegetables, fruits, dairy products, dates etc. The government is heavily involved in the agriculture industry as well as the private sector as the government offers long term interest free loans and duty-free imports of raw materials and machinery. The government has aided in the development of the agricultural sector by promoting modern farming technology that will encourage agriculture research.
Saudi Arabia receives about four inch of rain in a year. Also, most rainfall flow back into the sea unused in the western parts. This makes the country to suffer from water loss and this affects agriculture activities. The country has developed the agriculture industry by implementing major irrigation projects such as the centre pivot irrigation. In this irrigation, the agriculture field is irrigated directly with a circular sprinkler system with underground rivers and lakes by drilling through the desert floor. Saudi Arabia has also built desalination plants to produce fresh water from the sea to supply its population with water.
Saudi Arabia has allocated financial resources and also bought agricultural lands in countries like USA, Indonesia, Argentina and other African countries in order to keep improving on its agriculture.
ARTICLE BY: WENDY ELORM AMANKWA