Gradually optimization of cropping pattern in Saudi Arabia for sustainable agricultural development until 2030

Abstract

Efficiently optimizing cropping patterns is crucial for the sustainable agriculture development, especially in arid regions like Saudi Arabia. This study specifically aimed to gradually optimize cropping patterns in Saudi Arabia over next decade. The cropping pattern of 2023 according to ministry of environment water and agriculture was assessed to identify crops with potential for optimization based on economic revenue, water consumption. Subsequently, three optimization strategies were devised: maximizing total income, minimizing total water consumption, and maximizing productivity. The strategy focused on maximizing income projected a remarkable 17.6/% increase in total agricultural income by simply increasing the current water resources by 4.2%. On the other hand, the strategy aimed at minimizing water consumption could save 13.4% of water resources, but it would result in 4.6% reduction in total income. Alternatively, the strategy prioritizing productivity maximization would lead to a significant 15.6% increase in total income while reducing water resources by 0.7%.