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.

The celebration highlighted the region’s heritage and its deep relationship with farming, soil preservation and environmental resilience.

With its long agricultural history and a landscape that ranges from clay-rich valleys to sandy plains and volcanic Harrat soils, Madinah remains one of Saudi Arabia’s most unique ecological areas.

The day emphasized how these natural assets continue to support farming communities, especially the centuries-old tradition of date cultivation.

Local experts and environmental authorities noted that the challenges facing soil health remain manageable when met with scientific planning and sustained collaboration.

Issues such as rising salinity, imbalanced irrigation practices and the effects of climate change are being addressed through new regional initiatives.

To counter these pressures, government agencies are prioritizing soil protection programs designed to enhance long-term agricultural productivity.

These include modern irrigation techniques aimed at reducing water waste, improving soil structure and maintaining essential nutrient levels.

Authorities also stressed how soil acts as a natural water purifier, filtering contaminants and supporting groundwater stability.

As winter begins, farmers are taking advantage of the season to enrich their soils, preparing for expanded crop growth and healthier harvests in the spring.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Madinah continues to promote sustainable agricultural practices that align with national goals for resource efficiency.

Efforts include educating farmers, strengthening community awareness and implementing programs to combat desertification in vulnerable areas.

Farmers across the region play an essential role in this development by adopting organic fertilization methods and recycling agricultural waste.

These practices support soil biodiversity, reduce environmental pressure and create long-term ecological balance.

World Soil Day serves as a reminder of how essential cooperation is between government bodies, farmers and environmental partners.

By working together, they can secure soil sustainability, protect agricultural heritage and reinforce the region’s food stability.

This global day, recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, celebrates soil as a living resource that nurtures ecosystems and strengthens human well-being.

Its message encourages communities worldwide to adopt sustainable practices that protect soil from degradation and promote its recovery.

In Madinah, the observance reflects a broader national commitment to sustainability, echoing the goals of Vision 2030.

Through environmental stewardship, technological innovation and community engagement, the region is building a more resilient agricultural future.

As the world acknowledges the vital role of soil, Madinah continues to demonstrate leadership by taking practical steps to safeguard its natural resources.

The region’s efforts affirm that sustainable soil management is not only possible but essential for economic growth, food prosperity and ecological stability.

By nurturing its soil, Madinah is nurturing its future—ensuring that generations to come inherit land that remains fertile, protected and capable of sustaining life.

The celebration of World Soil Day stands as a symbol of commitment, progress and shared responsibility for the planet’s well-being.