Saudi Arabia transformed palm waste into fertilizer in major sustainability drive

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has launched a large-scale environmental program converting palm waste into organic fertilizer, aiming to improve agricultural productivity, reduce environmental damage from waste burning, and strengthen food security.

More than 50,000 cubic meters of organic waste have so far been processed into high-quality fertilizer, distributed to over 1,300 farmers, and reaching more than 3,000 beneficiaries, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 

The initiative has also helped restore more than 3,000 hectares of degraded farmland as part of RCU’s broader agricultural infrastructure upgrade across the region.

Containing 52 percent organic matter, the fertilizer significantly boosts soil fertility and enhances water retention, reducing chemical fertilizer use by up to 30 percent and lowering water consumption. 

Each tonne of fertilizer produced captures approximately 0.57 tonnes of carbon dioxide—equivalent to eliminating emissions from more than 6,300 vehicles annually.

The program has delivered both environmental and economic benefits while also building local capacity. More than 240 farmers and students have participated in RCU-led workshops sharing best practices for organic fertilizer application.

By transforming agricultural waste into a valuable resource, the project supports long-term sustainability, strengthens soil health, and promotes climate-conscious farming in AlUla.