Introduction:
Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in its agriculture sector, with a target of reducing liquid fuel consumption by 95% by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with the country's strategy to promote sustainable farming practices and boost local agriculture. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recently conducted a review of the Liquid Fuel Displacement Program, which focuses on utilizing the electric grid to replace liquid fuels in agricultural operations, including machinery, equipment, and irrigation pumps.
The Liquid Fuel Displacement Program (LFDP):
The LFDP aims to displace over 1 million barrels of liquid fuels per day across utilities, industry, and agriculture by 2030. It involves collaboration between more than 10 government entities and 20 private companies, working together to achieve a significant reduction in liquid fuel consumption. The program seeks to connect agricultural operations to the power grid, replacing existing energy sources with electricity.
Benefits and Objectives:
During a workshop organized by the Ministry, Mohammed Al-Abdullatif, the head of the agricultural team overseeing the LFDP, highlighted the program's objectives. He emphasized that the displacement program would enhance operational capacity while mitigating external factors that may affect the sustainability of the Kingdom's environmental sectors. The program also covers the costs of delivering electrical services up to the farm gate and provides soft loans to facilitate the necessary modifications for achieving sustainability in the agricultural sector and improving overall productivity.
Implementation and Phased Approach:
Farmers participating in the program are required to provide data on their farms' electric load, enabling accurate estimations of the time needed for a complete transition to electricity. The program will be rolled out in phases, starting with major agricultural companies, followed by large-scale farmers, and ultimately extending its reach to smaller farms. This strategic approach ensures a systematic implementation across the sector.
Increasing Self-Sufficiency and Quality:
Saudi Arabia has already made remarkable progress in enhancing agricultural self-sufficiency. In April, the Ministry announced that the country achieved 60% self-sufficiency in mango production, followed by an announcement of 95% self-sufficiency in papaya production earlier this month. The Ministry remains committed to strengthening the agriculture sector by further increasing the production of various vegetables and fruits. Efforts are focused on enhancing the efficiency, quality, and safety standards of locally produced fruits during their respective production seasons.
Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia's commitment to reducing liquid fuel consumption in its agriculture sector marks a significant step toward promoting sustainable farming practices and achieving environmental sustainability. Through the Liquid Fuel Displacement Program, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is leading efforts to connect agricultural operations to the electric grid, effectively replacing liquid fuels with electricity. This approach will not only enhance operational capacity but also contribute to the Kingdom's goal of increasing agricultural self-sufficiency and improving the quality and safety of locally produced fruits and vegetables.