Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Saudi Arabia: Agricultural Sector Consumes 85% of Kingdom’s Water Supplies | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat- The Undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Water and Electricity has revealed that the agricultural sector was the principal consumer of water in the Kingdom, accounting for around 85% of all water use.

The Undersecretary, Dr Ali al-Tukhays, said that one of the most important priorities defined in the water strategy was the necessity of changing some of the agricultural sector policies, in addition to providing solutions for better management of demand on water.

Al-Tukhays denied reports that there was a conflict between the procedures of the national water plan and the national agricultural plan. He described these reports as lacking credible sources. “Circulation of such reports by non-specialists creates confusion, and there should not be an opportunity given even to talk about them,” he said.

He said the first phase of the national water plan was completed two years ago. The plan is being implemented on three phases on the basis of the features of its strategy and the defects which have to be filled, as represented in updating water studies to assess the behavior of the water table and the quantities of subterranean and surface waters as well as treated sewer waters and the role they have in meeting the water requirements of various sectors.