Water consumption could be reduced by up to 50% through the adoption of smart agricultural technologies, according to a study to be discussed at the 12th session of the Riyadh Economic Forum.
SPA reported that the forum is scheduled for October 12 to 14. The study focuses on promoting artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to achieve water and food security as part of the forum’s role in developing the natural resources sector in support of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
The study identifies technologies such as the Internet of Things, automation, robotics, and satellite- and UAV-based remote sensing to improve natural resource management and production efficiency. It aims to identify priorities for digital transformation in agriculture based on national needs while assessing the Kingdom’s digital readiness and infrastructure.
Potential gains highlighted in the study include increasing productivity by about 30%, improving food quality and safety by 40%, and reducing waste and costs by nearly 20%. These measures seek to reduce risks from global market fluctuations and stabilize food supply chains.
The study also seeks to identify human, financial, regulatory, and technical challenges that hinder the wider adoption of these technologies.
When is the 12th session of the Riyadh Economic Forum and what is its primary focus? The 12th session of the Riyadh Economic Forum is scheduled to take place from October 12 to 14. The forum will discuss a study focused on promoting the use of smart agricultural technologies, including artificial intelligence, to help the Kingdom achieve food and water security while supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
What specific technologies are mentioned in the study to improve agricultural production? The study highlights several advanced technologies to enhance the quality of agricultural output and natural resource management. These include artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, automation, robotics, and remote sensing based on UAVs and satellites.
What are the projected quantitative benefits of adopting smart agricultural technologies? According to the study, adopting these technologies could reduce water consumption by up to 50% and increase productivity by approximately 30%. Additionally, it could improve food safety and quality by 40% while reducing costs and waste by nearly 20%.