Official date for halting perennial fodder cultivation in Saudi Arabia
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has settled the debate surrounding water-intensive crops, officially announcing that Monday, November 17, 2026 (corresponding to 07/06/1448 AH), will be the final and mandatory date for halting the cultivation of perennial fodder crops in sedimentary aquifers. This decision comes in compliance with higher directives mandating the gradual implementation of the decision over a specific timeframe, thus putting an end to the depletion of non-renewable water resources.
Countdown to implementation and transition period
The ministry confirmed that the countdown to implementing the decision has officially begun, noting that the remaining period of approximately 296 days represents a final and crucial opportunity for farmers to adjust their operations. The ministry urged all investors and farmers in these areas to utilize this transitional period for a smooth shift towards approved agricultural alternatives, ensuring the continuation of their agricultural activities without jeopardizing the Kingdom's strategic water reserves.
Shocking figures on water consumption
Through this radical shift, the ministry aims to address the enormous disparity in water consumption rates. Official statistics and water studies have revealed that perennial fodder crops (such as alfalfa and others) consume approximately 32,000 cubic meters of water per hectare annually. In contrast, scientific data indicates that switching to seasonal fodder will significantly reduce consumption, as its water requirements do not exceed 9,000 cubic meters per hectare. This means conserving vast quantities of deep groundwater that have accumulated over thousands of years and cannot be easily replenished.
Background to the decision and strategic water security
This measure is not an isolated event, but rather an implementation of the provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. 66, and part of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at protecting natural resources from overexploitation. The roots of these policies lie in the Kingdom's early recognition of the dangers of depleting groundwater aquifers in sedimentary basin areas, as the Kingdom had previously taken similar steps to reduce wheat cultivation for the same reasons. This approach aims to achieve a balance between food security and water security, and to guarantee the right of future generations to water.
Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The ministry emphasized that shifting to seasonal agriculture or relying on imported compound feed is no longer a luxury option but an urgent necessity for achieving agricultural sustainability. This approach aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which focus on increasing the efficiency of natural resource use, protecting the environment, and enhancing the economics of the agricultural sector through modern irrigation technologies and smart farming practices that reduce water waste.
