Commercialisation of hydroponic farming is a viable answer to Mena countries suffering from a lack of arable land and climate that are unsuitable for the mass production of food, said an industry leader.

Food security is a significant concern for governments in the Mena region, which is already heavily dependent on food imports. While agricultural productivity for the region as a whole increased markedly during the 1990s due to modernization efforts with water management, the region still faces a food deficit of 50-90 million tons by 2020.

Hydroponics offers some potential to reduce food security risks in the region and almost all the Mena countries are now exploring the potential of soil-free agriculture and vertical farming in order to be self-sufficient in food production by 2023, according to Pegasus Agritech, a major owner and operator of hydroponic farming facilities and food investments in the region.

Hydroponic farming is in great demand in the GCC, a company statement said.

There is rapid growth in the global food market and it is time for nations to become self-sufficient in their agriculture production. Modern agriculture occupies far more than the 10.6 per cent of global land that is arable.

In Saudi Arabia, arable land is very limited; therefore, it is highly challenging for it to produce adequate food, said Pegasus Agritech.

Saudi Arabia imports 95 per cent of their fresh fruits and vegetables for which the nation is paying massive premiums, as a consequence burdening its economy, the statement said.

The hydroponic technique is highly sustainable; a onetime infrastructure investment can bring 100 years of returns.

The growth of high yield crops means, returns on investments are made quickly. We can confidently assure that hydroponic farming is a win-win situation for all, with 80 per cent less water usage and efficient utilisation of land, according to the statement. – TradeArabia News Service