Experts and specialists emphasized that efficient water resources management is the cornerstone of strengthening food security, noting that the policies and reforms adopted by Saudi Arabia over recent years have turned the challenges of water scarcity into opportunities for sustainable development. Through an integrated approach, the Kingdom has enhanced water productivity in the agricultural sector, strengthened the sustainability of natural resources, and achieved significant growth in agricultural and food production.
The remarks were made during the panel discussion, “From Water to Food: Turning Scarcity into Security in Drylands," held as part of Saudi Water Week 2026. The session featured many experts from different entities.
The discussion explored ways to improve water productivity in the agricultural sector across dryland regions, highlighting Saudi Arabia's experience in developing an integrated framework that balances water resource sustainability with food security. It also reviewed ACSAD's efforts to support water and food security across the Arab region, underscoring the Kingdom's strategic transformation in water management and agricultural production systems in line with the objectives of the National Agriculture Strategy 2034.
Participants explained that Saudi Arabia has adopted a comprehensive approach encompassing legislative reforms, restructuring crop patterns, improving irrigation efficiency, and expanding the use of modern agricultural technologies and non-conventional water resources. These measures have enabled the optimal use of water resources, increased food production without increasing water consumption, and achieved a balance between water sustainability and food security, reflecting the essence of Saudi Arabia's transformation journey.
The participants noted that the impact of these policies is reflected in the Kingdom's agricultural production indicators. Vegetable production exceeded 3.6 million tonnes, representing growth of more than 90 percent compared with 2016. Fruit production surpassed one million tonnes, recording growth of 113 percent, while red meat production reached 293,000 tonnes, an increase of 148 percent. Poultry production also exceeded 1.3 million tonnes, marking growth of 74 percent. These results demonstrate Saudi Arabia's success in increasing agricultural output while improving water-use efficiency.
The session also highlighted the impact of Saudi Arabia's decision to phase out the cultivation of green fodder crops as one of the Kingdom's most significant water resource management reforms. As a result, cultivated fodder areas declined from approximately 501,000 hectares in 2015 to 198,000 hectares in 2025, while water consumption fell from 16.6 billion cubic meters to 6.5 billion cubic meters, with the livestock sector's needs continuing to be met through more efficient and sustainable alternative solutions.