Almond Blossoms Transform Al-Baha's Terraced Slopes Into A Winter Panorama

Almond cultivation in Al-Baha Region is gaining renewed importance, as farmers expand orchards and harvests rise. Officials describe almonds as a high-value crop that suits local terrain and climate, while residents view the trees as part of the region’s long-standing agricultural identity and a key source of income for many farming families.

Director of the Al-Baha Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Fahd Al-Zahrani stated that almonds are considered one of the most promising crops with high economic value. Almond cultivation is now spread across many governorates, helping diversify local agriculture and supporting long-term sustainability goals for farms in the mountainous region.

Eng. Al-Zahrani explained that almond trees match the rugged geography and traditional terraces that shape Al-Baha Region. The crop benefits from mild temperatures and varied elevations, which reduce stress on trees. This natural fit gives almonds a comparative advantage over some other crops, supporting plans to expand cultivation without major changes to existing land uses.

Current official figures show that about 67 hectares in Al-Baha are planted with almond trees. According to the ministry, these orchards produce around 241 tons of green fruit and 107 tons of kernels each season. The average productivity reaches 3.6 tons of green fruit per hectare, reflecting steady returns for farmers who maintain well-managed groves.

To build on these advantages, the ministry offers farmers several support tools, Eng. Al-Zahrani noted. These include the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef) and regular agricultural extension services. The aim is to guide investment toward crops with comparative strength, such as almonds, and enhance the overall stability of rural incomes.

Al-Baha is viewed as an agricultural oasis, with fertile soil, plentiful water sources, and a moderate climate in both summer and winter. These conditions allow different trees and plants to thrive. The almond tree stands out because it adapts well to changing weather and uses little water, while its production period usually follows late winter rains in the mountains.

Almond trees in Al-Baha Region and seasonal cycle

Farmers describe the annual cycle of almond trees beginning in February, when white blossoms cover branches and signal a new season. Tender fruits develop after flowering and slowly harden over the following months. By July the fruit is firm, with a solid core that passes through a stage locally known as "lubab," before final ripening.

A farmer from the region spoke to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) about almond cultivation, saying: "It is a demanding task that requires care and cleanliness, and it takes a long time before the fruits appear and harvesting begins." The farmer added that almond trees handle different climates and need relatively modest irrigation, which reduces production costs.

The same farmer explained that many residents eat the fruits before they fully ripen, enjoying them fresh at the "lubab" stage. After complete maturity, people use the seeds, also called lubab, in various foods. Each tree usually yields around 4 to 5 kilograms per season, providing reliable returns when combined across larger family orchards.

Beyond economics, local communities in several governorates link almond trees with regional heritage and shared memory. Families have revived older practices of planting almonds on terraces and slopes, where the white blossoms near winter’s end resemble scattered pearls across the mountains. These traditions continue as farmers and officials work together to support almond cultivation in Al-Baha Region.

With inputs from SPA