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Saudi Arabia Explores Desalinated Seawater for Agricultural Innovation
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – On August 23, 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) announced a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices with the witnessing of a feasibility study workshop on the use of desalinated seawater with reduced salinity in agriculture. The event, which took place on the aforementioned date, was presided over by His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli.
This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing water scarcity challenges and fostering innovation within its agricultural sector. The workshop brought together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to meticulously evaluate the potential benefits and practical applications of utilizing desalinated seawater, specifically treated to have lower salinity levels, for irrigation purposes.
The focus on reduced salinity seawater is particularly noteworthy. While desalination technologies have advanced considerably, enabling the production of fresh water from the sea, the direct application of highly saline water in agriculture can pose challenges to plant growth and soil health. Therefore, exploring the feasibility of using desalinated water with moderated salinity levels suggests a nuanced approach to water resource management, aiming to optimize both water availability and agricultural productivity.
Attendees at the workshop engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the technical, economic, and environmental viability of this approach. Key aspects likely deliberated included the energy requirements for the treatment process, the potential impact on crop yields and quality, the necessary infrastructure adaptations, and the overall cost-effectiveness compared to traditional water sources. Furthermore, the environmental implications of employing this method, such as the management of brine discharge, were undoubtedly a crucial part of the evaluation.
The engagement of His Excellency Eng. Al-Fadhli in this workshop highlights the strategic importance MEWA places on developing innovative solutions for water and agriculture. By actively exploring and assessing such pioneering methods, the Ministry aims to bolster food security, enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector, and ensure the responsible stewardship of the Kingdom’s water resources in the face of a changing climate.
This feasibility study represents a crucial phase in understanding how desalinated seawater, with careful treatment, can be integrated into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural landscape, paving the way for a more water-efficient and sustainable future for the nation’s farming communities.
المهندس الفضلي يشهد ورشة تقييم جدوى استخدام مياه البحر مخفضة الملوحة في الزراعة
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mewa.gov.sa published ‘المهندس الفضلي يشهد ورشة تقييم جدوى استخدام مياه البحر مخفضة الملوحة في الزراعة’ at 2023-08-23 00:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.