Saudi Research Supports Shift to Seasonal Forage Crops to Protect Water Resources
Riyadh – Saudi Arabia is accelerating its transition toward more sustainable agricultural practices as new research highlights the benefits of replacing perennial forage crops with seasonal alternatives that consume significantly less water.
The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, known as Estidamah, has conducted an extensive research program to evaluate the performance, productivity, and sustainability of seasonal forage crops across several key agricultural regions in the Kingdom.
The research was carried out in collaboration with agricultural companies operating in Jouf, Tabuk, Hail, Haradh, and Wadi Al-Dawasir, regions known for large-scale forage cultivation and high groundwater usage.
The initiative directly supports the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s decision to end the cultivation of perennial forage crops by November 16, 2026, a policy aimed at conserving non-renewable groundwater reserves that have been under increasing pressure for decades.
According to Estidamah’s findings, perennial forage crops can consume up to 32,000 cubic meters of water per hectare, making them unsustainable in arid environments such as Saudi Arabia.
In contrast, seasonal forage crops require substantially less irrigation while still providing reliable feed for livestock, particularly during the winter season when local fodder demand is high.
This shift is seen as a critical step toward balancing agricultural productivity with environmental conservation.
Over a three-year research period, Estidamah evaluated 12 different seasonal forage plant species under varying climatic and soil conditions.
From these, seven varieties were identified as especially promising based on their yield potential, nutritional value, adaptability, and water efficiency.
The results showed that seasonal winter forage systems can achieve yields ranging from 8 to 15 tonnes per hectare, a level considered economically viable for farmers transitioning away from perennials.
In addition to water savings of approximately 50 percent, the research highlighted improvements in soil fertility associated with seasonal forage cultivation.
Crop rotation and shorter growing cycles help enhance soil structure, reduce salinity buildup, and support long-term land productivity.
These benefits align closely with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, which prioritize food security, environmental sustainability, and the efficient use of natural resources.
Estidamah emphasized that seasonal forage crops can play a strategic role in strengthening local feed supply chains and reducing reliance on imported animal feed.
By encouraging domestic production that is both resource-efficient and climate-appropriate, the Kingdom aims to build a more resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting future challenges such as water scarcity and climate variability.
To ensure a smooth national transition, Estidamah has invited farmers, investors, and agricultural stakeholders to actively engage through its digital platforms and extension programs.
The center plans to provide technical guidance, research data, and best-practice recommendations to help producers adopt seasonal forage systems with confidence and minimal disruption.
The initiative reflects a broader shift in Saudi agricultural policy, moving away from water-intensive practices toward innovation-driven sustainability.
As groundwater conservation becomes an increasingly urgent priority, research-backed solutions like seasonal forage crops offer a practical pathway for maintaining agricultural output while safeguarding vital natural resources for future generations.
