By Faridat Salifu
A high-tech hydroponic farm in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has produced over two million kilograms of fresh vegetables with 90 percent less water requirement, showing how modern farming can save water and protect the environment.
The facility uses 20 air-conditioned halls covering 183,000 square meters to grow lettuce, celery, rosemary, wild thyme and basil, according to the saudi press agency.
Compared with traditional agriculture, the farm cuts fertilizer use by 60 percent and water use by up to 90 percent.
These methods match saudi arabia’s national water strategy 2030 and wider efforts to make farming more sustainable.
Ayman al-sayed, Director-General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s Madinah branch, said new technologies were boosting food quality, food security and production efficiency.
He added that subsidy programs and development plans are helping farmers grow more competitive crops for local and global markets.
For young farmers, this project shows how hydroponics can reduce costs, save resources and prepare agriculture for a hotter, drier future.
