Asianometry Saudi Arabia's Crazy Wheat Self-Sufficiency Policy
Jul 24, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious wheat self-sufficiency program, launched in the 1980s, aimed to curb food imports but led to unforeseen consequences. The country pumped more groundwater than oil, jeopardizing its water resources. As the population grew, the sustainability of this policy became increasingly questionable. The podcast explores the critical challenges of water scarcity, the reliance on fossil aquifers, and the environmental impacts of vast agricultural investments. It also highlights ongoing efforts toward more sustainable practices amid dwindling supplies.
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Saudi Wheat Self-Sufficiency Effort
- Saudi Arabia aimed to end food import dependency using oil money and fossil water starting in 1980.
- The focus on wheat led to over-pumping groundwater and spending 5% of the 1991 budget on excess wheat production.
Food Dependency Risks
- Growing population and wealth in Saudi Arabia increased demand for expensive foods like meat.
- Food import dependency poses risks from export countries' production shortfalls and geopolitical issues.
Geopolitical Food and Oil Lessons
- Geopolitical events like oil crises and wars showed food and oil can both be political weapons.
- Saudi Arabia realized food import reliance could be exploited, prompting focus on food self-sufficiency.