查看文章

In the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, food security will be a matter of concern for policy makers. In desert countries the food commodities are mostly imported from other countries as their local production is not enough to meet the domestic needs and Saudi Arabia has no exception. Most of the cereals and red meat are imported. Major limiting factors in agriculture production are land and water, such that by 2050, Saudi Arabia is expected to import all of its domestic needs. Meanwhile, there are many land and water saving technologies which have the potential to help produce enough to meet the domestic energy requirements. Promotion of traditional crops, hydroponics and greenhouse farming, seawater harvesting, investing in bio-salinity research and rainwater harvesting are among those technologies. Therefore, role of extension agent is critical to promote the innovative technologies as well as creating …