The use of pesticides on crops in Saudi Arabia has experienced notable fluctuations over the last decade. From 2013 to 2023, there has been a general upward trend in pesticide use, with values rising from 1.64 to 3.35 kilograms per hectare. This indicates an overall increase, although growth rates were not constant year-to-year. Notably, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2013 to 2018 was around 10.32%, showing strong growth. This growth slowed to 4.56% CAGR by 2023 with the use reaching 3.35 kilograms per hectare. Year-on-year variation showed positive growth generally, except for a decline in 2020 at -2.72% due to potential external factors impacting the agricultural sector.
Forecast data from 2024 to 2028 suggests continued but slower growth in pesticide use, with a CAGR of 2.65% expected. By 2028, use is projected to reach around 3.97 kilograms per hectare, equating to a forecasted 5-year growth rate of 13.98%. This indicates a moderated but steady increase continuing into the future.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Advancements in sustainable agricultural practices and integrated pest management (IPM) techniques possibly slowing the growth in pesticide use.
- Regulatory changes or policy adaptations incentivizing reduced pesticide application or promoting alternative pest control methods.
- Climate change impacts affecting pest pressures and thereby influencing pesticide use patterns.
