In a world where the climate is increasingly hot and unpredictable, farmers are facing challenges in keeping their crops cool. A startup based in the desert of Saudi Arabia believes it may have found a solution. Their innovative technology can lower temperatures inside greenhouses by up to 7 degrees Celsius without compromising light. This is achieved through the use of nanotechnology embedded in plastic polymer sheeting to block near infrared solar radiation. The company claims that by reducing heat levels in greenhouses, crops can be grown with up to 30% less water and reduced energy consumption compared to traditional mechanical cooling methods.
Known as SecondSky, this technology was created by Derya Baran, an associate professor of material science and engineering at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The award-winning design was quickly commercialized, leading to buyers in 15 countries through Iyris (formerly RedSea), a company spun off from KAUST’s research efforts. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates were among the first to adopt this innovative solution, aiming to reduce their dependence on imported fresh produce.
John Keppler, the executive chairperson of Iyris, highlighted that not only are these countries looking to secure their food supply in the face of changing environmental conditions, but farmers in regions like the US, Latin America, Mexico, Europe, South Africa, and Morocco are also embracing SecondSky coverings. These areas, historically benefiting from favorable environmental conditions, are now experiencing rapid changes, making solutions like SecondSky crucial for maintaining crop productivity.
With global temperatures steadily rising and extreme heat events becoming more frequent due to human-induced climate change, agriculture is under immense pressure. Heatwaves can damage crops, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. To combat these challenges and promote sustainable agriculture, companies like Iyris are developing innovative solutions like SecondSky.
By integrating their technology into flexible polyfilm used in polytunnels, plastic sheets for greenhouses, and netting, Iyris has made it easy for farmers to adopt this heat-blocking solution. Partnering with leading plastics producers, Iyris has successfully manufactured and distributed millions of square meters of coverings containing their innovative additive. This technology offers a long-term solution without impacting the lifespan of the plastic materials.
Vincent Martin, director of the Office of Innovation at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, emphasized the importance of agritech start-ups in addressing regional food production challenges through innovations in protected agriculture. As the world faces increasing climate uncertainties, solutions like SecondSky are vital in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our food systems.
Companies are finding ways to adapt to the challenges posed by extreme heat by introducing innovative solutions such as resilient crops, controlled environments, smart irrigation, and renewable energy sources. However, the key lies in scaling up these solutions to reach smallholder farmers and overcoming cost barriers to ensure wider adoption. Continued investment in research, infrastructure, policies, and farmer education is crucial for successful adaptation to climate change impacts in the agricultural sector, according to experts.
While one company, Iyris, is setting its sights on the global market and recently secured $16 million in series A fundraising, another player, SecondSky, is focusing on revolutionizing agricultural practices closer to home. In Saudi Arabia, a pioneering initiative known as the National Food Production Initiative, a collaboration involving Iyris and the regenerative tourism developer Red Sea Global, has established a productive 0.75-hectare farm on previously unproductive land in Bada, a region located in the northwest part of the country. Bada, characterized by its subtropical desert environment with scorching summer temperatures averaging just under 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), is now home to a project that integrates various innovative agritech solutions, including those provided by SecondSky, to cultivate a range of crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs for supply to Red Sea Global resorts.
“We are demonstrating remarkably innovative outcomes in one of the harshest environments globally,” Keppler remarked. The success of the farm in Bada has sparked interest among local cooperatives to consider replicating this model in other regions. The efficient use of unproductive land and the prevention of further land degradation will become increasingly important as the years progress. Desertification, a critical issue, was the central theme at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification’s COP16 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last December as global leaders strive to address the escalating problem. The United Nations reports that at least 100 million hectares of healthy land are lost each year worldwide, equivalent to four soccer fields of fertile land being degraded every second.
In Saudi Arabia, where less than 1% of the land is suitable for agriculture, the water demands for crop cultivation can be three times higher than the global average. The kingdom heavily relies on groundwater aquifers as a primary source of water for agriculture, but these aquifers are depleting rapidly due to extraction rates exceeding replenishment rates. “Agritech and sustainable agricultural practices have a pivotal role to play in combating and reversing desertification,” emphasized Martin. This can be achieved through sustainable land management practices, innovative water management techniques, the development of resilient crop varieties, and soil restoration methods.
Efforts to combat desertification and promote sustainable agriculture are essential in safeguarding food security, preserving natural resources, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. By embracing technological advancements and adopting environmentally friendly farming practices, the agricultural sector can contribute significantly to environmental conservation and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
