Study the Implications of the Potential Expansion of Organic Agriculture on Self-sufficiency and Production Inputs (Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides)

Abstract

Background: Despite the high average per capita income and the Human Development Index for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the average area of organic farms does not exceed 23.5 thousand hectares during the period 2018-2022. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the impact of potential expansion in organic agriculture on self-sufficiency and production inputs (chemical fertilizers and pesticides). Methods: This study relied on secondary data from the FAOSTAT website and the statistical book issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in addition to studies and research related to organic agriculture. In achieving its objectives, this study also relied on economic and statistical analysis. Result: This study showed that the productivity of organic farms is lower than that estimated for conventional farms, with rates ranging from a minimum of 19.2% for green fodder crops to a maximum of 74.8% for palm trees. With the doubling of the area of organic farms, a small relative decline in both total production and self-sufficiency of food products is expected. This is due to the modest average area of organic farms and their low productivity compared to conventional farms and most of the area of organic farms is planted with palm trees and fruits. It was also found that with the increase in organic farms by 100%, the amount of savings in chemical fertilizers and pesticides is estimated at 17041.8, 464.0 tons for each, respectively. Finally, the agricultural policy put the producer in front of two options: Namely organic agriculture and good agricultural practices. Therefore, this study recommends the need to compare organic agriculture with good agricultural practices from the point of view of the producer, the country and environmental sustainability.