Minister of Agriculture Dr Fahd Balghunaim inaugurated here on Tuesday a symposium on the role of the agricultural sector in rationalization of water resources. The symposium is organized by Tabuk Agricultural Development Company (TADCO) in cooperation with the Saudi Agricultural Group (SAG). A number of specialists in the affairs of water and environment from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and abroad are participating in the symposium. Addressing the symposium's first session, Mohammed Al-Suwat, the Director General of SAG, said the Saudi agricultural sector, which is the biggest consumer of water, has been positively contributing to the non-oil Gross National Product (GNP). On his part, Minister of Agriculture Dr Fahd Balghunaim said the Kingdom witnessed in the last three decades a remarkable development in the agricultural sector. He noted that this development in the agricultural sphere has had a positive impact on the country's economy. 'Realizing the fact that the agricultural sector is the biggest consumer of water, the Ministry has taken series of procedures for the rationalization of water consumption including the prevention of exporting green fodders and prevention of new licenses for implementing new fodder projects', he elaborated. Balghunaim pointed out that in line with the policy of rationalization of water consumption, the Royal Order was issued preventing purchase of barley from either the farmers or the agricultural companies by the General Organization for Grain Silos and Flour mills. He noted that directives were issued to farmers and agricultural companies to cultivate crops that consume less quantities of water effective from the agricultural season of 1424/1425H. On the other hand, Dr Balghunaim said the Ministry of Agriculture is keen on utilization of the treated sewage water for agricultural purposes.
