The focus of the goverment was placed on the planned encouragement, development and expansion of agriculture and industry. Where the former was concerned, experts were introduced and agricultural pilot projects were set up as early as 1954, in order to introduce farmers to scientific methods, equipment and pest control. To assist irrigation, wells, many of them artesian, were dug in agricultural areas in accordance with need. Dams and reservoirs were built in many places, such as in the vicinity of Riyadh (Wadi Laban), Medinah (Aaqool and Urwah), Abha, Jizan and Thamala. Since pastoral nomadism is of vital relevance to an important segment of the country’s population, a department to assist animal husbandry and improve the quality of livestock resources was also set up in 1954. An indication of the importance accorded to this whole sector was clear from the fact that, the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture for only the fifth year of Saud’s reign was no less than 21 Million Saudi Riyals. It may be emphasised here that most of this assistance including the provision of seed, fertilisers, chemicals and treatment was either provided at cost price or free.
2012