Najran National Citrus Festival Showcases Agricultural Diversity And Economic Opportunities For Farmers

The Najran National Citrus Festival, now in its 14th year, serves as a vital platform for showcasing the region's agricultural diversity and investment opportunities. This event, held at King Abdulaziz Park in Najran, covers a 1,200-meter area and is organised by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. It attracts farmers, agricultural experts, and investors who present innovative solutions and highlight the region's strong citrus production capabilities.

Eng. Hamad Al Dakman from the National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development (Estidamah) highlighted their commitment to sustainable agriculture. The centre focuses on selecting optimal plant seeds and trees to boost citrus production efficiency while conserving water and energy. Al Dakman stressed the importance of knowledge transfer and partnerships to support the agricultural sector in line with Saudi Arabia's food-security goals.

Raf'an Al-Amer, chairman of the Najran Association Green, discussed their efforts to increase vegetation cover. Over 60,000 trees have been planted in the past four years. Plans are in place to plant an additional 500,000 trees by 2027 with help from government and private entities. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom's Green Vision.

Farmers like Ibrahim Saleh Al-Sinan praised the festival for addressing their needs by marketing products effectively. Visitors can sample and buy citrus fruits directly from producers. Agricultural investor Abdullah Fahd Al-Waili noted Najran's favourable conditions for citrus farming due to fertile soil, suitable climate, and water availability.

Al-Waili's farm in Khbash spans 4 million square meters with over 50,000 citrus trees. He emphasised the economic viability of investing in agriculture within this region. The festival remains a vibrant showcase for Najran's agricultural potential, supporting farmers while promoting sustainable development.

The event continues to offer significant economic returns for both farmers and investors by highlighting diverse agricultural investments and marketing opportunities within the region.

With inputs from SPA