Memories of Lime Flavor Drive Innovation at Saudi Farms — Global Issues

Mohamed Alnwairan stands in front of a green citrus tree that will produce its first lime harvest in four months.

The businessman-turned-farmer has been farming the land in Al Ahsa in Saudi Arabia’s eastern desert for the past 15 years. Now, with climate change and dwindling water supplies, he’s adopting new technologies along with new crops.

“We are very proud of our limes in this part of Saudi Arabia. “When I touch my hand, I can smell the citrus oil,” he said. united nations news. “They remind us of our childhood. Now we have the opportunity to grow them commercially.”

Mr Alnwairan looks out over his small farm located in an oasis near the city of Hofuf. It covers an area of ​​about 1,000 square metres, and the sandy soil is dotted with 120 two-metre tall trees that have been growing for almost four years.

smart irrigation

“To my left are trees irrigated using innovative techniques and to my right are trees irrigated by hand using traditional methods,” he said. “More irrigated trees are thriving.”

The difference in color, shape, and firmness is clear, and the way you water them improves their health.

Alnwairan’s farm is piloting smart irrigation, a resource-efficient approach to growing crops that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is promoting in the region.

He uses an app on his smartphone to monitor the soil and track and deliver the water his lime trees need to grow. When it rains, sensors register moisture conditions and pause scheduled watering. If the tree isn’t getting enough water, the app can remotely direct a larger water flow if needed.

water stress

Water used to be abundant in the oasis’ agricultural lands, but climate change has reduced rainfall and cultivation of water-thirsty rice, a local specialty, has lowered the water table, making water more difficult and more expensive to access.

Mr Alnwairan had to stop growing rice in another nearby farmland after the water in his well fell 300 meters underground.

“Smart irrigation can reduce water consumption by up to 70% and is more sustainable for the environment,” said FAO irrigation expert Mahmoud Abdelnabby.

Farmers don’t currently have to pay for water, but automation offers other savings because fewer farm workers are needed to water the trees. This is a time-consuming and cumbersome task during the extreme heat of the Saudi growing season.

FAO’s Mr. According to Abdelnabby, the advanced technology is readily available in local markets and although it requires financial investment, “it benefits from higher yields and lower wages.”

lost land

As the climate continues to change and droughts become more common in Saudi Arabia’s desert regions, farmers are fighting desertification and loss of productive land.

“Smart irrigation is part of an integrated response to climate change that includes soil management and crop selection,” said Jaffar Almubarak, who works at FAO partner Saudi Irrigation Organization. “Not only does it help us use water, but it also helps restore land and prevent desertification.”

In December 2024, global leaders from governments, international organizations, the private sector and civil society gathered in the Saudi capital Riyadh under the auspices of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to discuss solutions to drought, land loss and land. restoration.

Globally, up to 40% of the world’s land is being degraded, with serious consequences for climate, biodiversity and people’s livelihoods.

Like farmers around the world, Mr Alnwairan uses his years of experience and expertise to increase crop yields according to need and opportunity.

“I am considering introducing a smart irrigation system across the farm to mainly focus on growing lime. “The market is ready for this,” he said.

If other farmers follow his lead, these dry lands will be better supplied with water, and farming will help slow desertification.