Riyadh: The 12th session of the Riyadh Economic Forum, scheduled for October 12 to 14, will discuss a study on promoting the use of smart agricultural technologies, including artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies, to achieve water and food security. The study forms part of the forum's role in developing the natural resources sector in support of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the study aims to employ modern technologies in agricultural and livestock production and identify priorities for digital transformation in agriculture based on national needs. It also seeks to assess the Kingdom's digital readiness and infrastructure and identify the technical, regulatory, financial, and human challenges hindering wider adoption of these technologies.

The study highlights smart agriculture as a strategic pathway to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, satellite- and UAV-based remote sensing, automation, and robotics can help improve natural resource management, increase production efficiency, and enhance the quality of agricultural output.

According to the study, adopting smart agricultural technologies could reduce water consumption by up to 50%, increase productivity by about 30%, improve food quality and safety by 40%, and reduce waste and costs by nearly 20%. These gains would enhance the efficiency of the agricultural sector, reduce risks associated with fluctuations in global markets, and contribute to the stability of food supply chains.