Food security is a significant concern for governments in MENA region, which is already heavily dependent on food imports. While agricultural productivity for the region as a whole increased markedly during the 1990s due to modernization efforts with water management, the region still faces a food deficit of 50-90 million tons by 2020.
Hydroponics offers some potential to reduce food security risks of the region and almost all the MENA countries are now exploring the potential of”—soil-free agriculture and vertical farming—in order to be self-sufficient in food production by 2023.There is rapid growth in Global Food Market and it is time that nations become self-sufficient in its agriculture production. Modern agriculture occupies far more than the 10.6 percent of global land that is arable.
In Saudi Arabia, arable land is very limited; therefore, it is highly challenging for it to produce adequate food. Saudi Arabia imports 95% of their fresh fruits and vegetables for which the nation is paying massive premiums, as a consequence burdening its economy. Most of the MENA countries suffer from a lack of arable land and climate that are unsuitable for the mass production of food.
For the countries where natural resources are a question in supporting agricultural growth, commercialization of hydroponic farming is the viable answer. The hydroponic technique is highly sustainable; a onetime infrastructure investment can bring 100 years of returns. The growth of high yield crops means, returns on investments are made quickly.
We can confidently assure that hydroponic farming is a win - win situation for all as with 80% less water usage and efficient utilization of land. Hydroponics is one of the many choices; but the most sustainable one for a viable and greener agriculture for the MENA region.
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