| Author(s) | Adel Mohammed Qanem and Khalid Al-rwis |
| Affiliation | College of Agriculture, King Saud University, Riyadh |
| Title | Current and Suggested Cropping Pattern with Respect to the Water Security in Saudi Arabia |
| Source | Journal of King Saud University. Agricultural Sciences. Volume 17, No 1. (2005/1425) |
| Abstract | The main objective of this research is to study water resources' utilization in agriculture, and determine the suggested crop pattern taking into account water security, and in comparison with current crop patterns in the Kingdom during the period (1995-1998). The study uses mathematical and statistical analysis such as linear programming and sensitivity analysis for resource and revenue to the quantity of water for each unit of land (hectare). Results showed that the agricultural sector depends on ground water renewable and non- renewable by 66.54%, 33.46 respectively. The physical and revenue returns for the unit of used water resources are different between traditional and specialized farms. Grains dominate the current cropping pattern, whereas fodder is second, then vegetables and fruits. The gross margin of the quantity of water used in the suggested cropping pattern is estimated to be SR 35473 millions, compared to SR 9824 millions in the suggested cropping pattern. This means that we could increase the gross margin of the quantity of water used by 261.1% if we use the suggested crop pattern. This will result in surplus in land, water resources, and in fertilizers if the suggested cropping pattern is adopted. The study recommends developing and protecting current water resources and pay more attention to water security by changing the cropping pattern to maintain and develop the agriculture sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. |
