MEWA Emphasizes Expanding Soilless Organic Agriculture to Address Environmental Issues and Boost Agricultural Output

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) has highlighted the importance of soilless agriculture systems in tackling environmental challenges and adverse climatic conditions and improving agricultural efficiency. The ministry disclosed that around 57 hectares in the Kingdom are now dedicated to soilless farming, producing various fruits and vegetables across different regions. This came during a workshop highlighting achievements in the organic agriculture sector and addressing research and development challenges at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh. The event aimed to showcase achievements in the organic agriculture sector and address challenges in research and development. Assistant Deputy Minister for Agriculture Affairs Dr. Sulaiman AlKhateeb along with experts, academics, specialists, and investors, participated in the workshop. The ministry aims to achieve critical objectives through organic agriculture. These include producing safe and nutritious food, conserving irrigation water by utilizing soilless cultivation methods that consume significantly less water than traditional agriculture, preserving the environment, optimizing natural resource utilization, and preventing soil degradation from chemical fertilizer and pesticide use. Moreover, the ministry focuses on enhancing economic value and diversifying the production base. Soilless cultivation is highlighted for its high productivity compared to traditional open-field methods. The ministry is also pursuing these goals by adopting advanced agricultural techniques and practices within the organic agriculture sector. During the workshop, the ministry highlighted the organic agriculture sector's growth over the past five years, with significant increases in organic holdings, farming areas, and production. Soilless farming has also expanded in regions like Riyadh, Qassim, Makkah, Ha'il, Najran, and the Eastern Province. To support organic agriculture, the ministry has implemented measures such as helping farmers transition to organic practices, promoting organic products, and enhancing consumer awareness. The ministry has plans to boost the organic agriculture sector. These include boosting scientific research, establishing documentation offices, encouraging investments, providing packaging solutions, and collaborating with international organizations, all of which will help organic farming grow in the Kingdom. Source: Saudi Press Agency