Startup develops a method for growing produce using saltwater

Saudi Arabia has a problem with a lack of freshwater – a problem being faced by a growing number of other countries as well. Because most water is used by agriculture, this means that Saudi Arabia has had to import most of its food, as it lacks the water resources to grow its own in large quantities. But that may be about to change. Startup Red Sea Farms has developed a technology to allow saltwater to be used in commercial farming.

Red Sea Farms has developed a high-tech greenhouse for use in hot, dry climates. Unlike other greenhouses, which aim to raise the temperature, the Red Sea greenhouses counter Saudi Arabia’s scorching temperatures by keeping the plants cool. Around 95 per cent of water used in their greenhouse goes toward the cooling system, rather than irrigation. So, when the company uses seawater for cooling, rather than freshwater, it saves a tremendous number of resources in the process.

Springwise