Al-Baha Region Emerges As A Vital Agricultural Hub In Saudi Arabia

Al-Baha region is a vital part of Saudi Arabia's agriculture, providing a variety of crops to the Kingdom. Eng. Fahd bin Miftah Salem Al-Zahrani, Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's Al-Baha branch, shared insights with the Saudi Press Agency about the area's agricultural wealth. He noted that Al-Baha's fertile land produces diverse products like Shadwi coffee, sweet pomegranates, almonds, and various vegetables.

The cultivation of coffee in Sarat Al-Baha highlights the region's adaptability in agriculture. Situated 2,500 meters above sea level, Al-Baha benefits from 57 water dams and 98 forests. Its agricultural output includes over 16 tons of coffee, 30 tons of almonds, 1,150 tons of honey, and 6,600 tons of pomegranates annually.

Recent initiatives are propelling Al-Baha's agricultural development. An agricultural city in Baljurashi Governorate is being developed for almond and fruit trees. Plans include planting at least 50,000 trees across 597,000 square meters. Additionally, a pomegranate city is underway in Al-Qura Governorate to plant at least 120,000 seedlings over 1.3 million square meters.

A forestry nursery in Qalwa Governorate will grow at least 500,000 ornamental and wildlife tree seedlings within its 43,000 square meters. Moreover, a flower nursery in Qalwa aims to cultivate a variety of flowers by planting at least 500,000 seedlings across 34,000 square meters.

Al-Zahrani mentioned several promising investment opportunities to boost Al-Baha's agricultural output further. These include developing coffee cities in Baljurashi Governorate and establishing a large Prickly Pear City in Al-Baha. A fruit nursery is also planned for Qalwa alongside a site for fruit and citrus cultivation in Al-Makhwah Governorate.

The expansion projects reflect a commitment to growth and diversification within the region's agricultural landscape. Modern techniques like greenhouses and organic farming methods are employed to ensure high-quality yields.

Unique Agricultural Conditions

Al-Baha's unique combination of moderate climate, mountainous terrain, fertile soil, and expansive plains supports diverse agricultural activities. This environment allows for successful cultivation across various crops and contributes significantly to the Kingdom's food supply chain.

The ongoing projects demonstrate how strategic planning can enhance regional agriculture while promoting sustainability through modern practices. The focus remains on increasing productivity while maintaining quality standards across all produce types.

With inputs from SPA