International Coffee Day Highlights The Richness Of Shadwi Coffee From Al-Baha Region

Shadwi coffee, cultivated in the Al-Baha region, is renowned globally for its quality. Annually, more than 12 tons are produced. On International Coffee Day, celebrated on October 1, enthusiasts express pride and support for local farmers. The coffee is grown in the Shada mountains, situated between Qilwah and Al-Makhwah governorates. These mountains are ideal for coffee farming due to their elevation.

The upper Shada Mountain stands at about 2,200 meters above sea level, while the lower reaches around 1,500 meters. This altitude makes them perfect for cultivating coffee. In Al-Baha, coffee is the primary crop. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, a farmer from upper Shada Mountain, attributes abundant production to government support. He notes that coffee prices range from SAR200 to SAR300 per kilogram.

Fahd Al-Zahrani, Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha, highlights the region's reputation for Arabica coffee cultivation. Over 200 farms with more than 22,000 trees produce high-quality Saudi coffee here. The ministry supports this through various initiatives aimed at sustaining agricultural productivity.

These initiatives include rehabilitating agricultural terraces and harvesting rainwater. Modern irrigation networks are being established alongside efforts to clean and deepen wells. Covering wells and distributing seedlings are also part of these projects. To date, 13,500 seedlings have been distributed among 117 farmers.

The environment ministry offers non-refundable financial aid via the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Reef Saudi). This program aims to ensure sustainable rural development by enhancing the agricultural sector and improving small farmers' living standards. It targets eight sectors including Saudi coffee production and marketing.

A notable development is the establishment of the first coffee-growing city in Al-Baha. Spanning an area of 1,662,000 square meters, it can accommodate up to 300,000 trees. This initiative underscores the commitment to boosting local agriculture and supporting farmers in increasing production.

The south of Saudi Arabia is particularly known for its Arabica coffee cultivation. In Al-Baha alone, there are over 200 farms dedicated to this crop. The ministry's efforts focus on ensuring that these farms remain productive and sustainable through comprehensive support programs.

Shadwi coffee continues to be a source of pride for its producers and consumers alike. With ongoing support from government initiatives and programs like Reef Saudi, the future looks promising for this cherished crop in Al-Baha.

With inputs from SPA