Innovative Farming Practices Propel Economic Growth And Sustainability In Najran Region

The Najran region has been a key agricultural area for many generations. Its fertile soil, moderate climate, and varied landscape make it ideal for farming. Farmers here grow a range of crops like citrus fruits, wheat, grains, dates, and vegetables. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture is evident as they adopt innovative methods to cultivate new fruit varieties, grains, and rare trees.

One significant achievement in Najran is the successful cultivation of coffee trees. Ali Al Harith, CEO of the Najran Coffee Cooperative Association, shared with the Saudi Press Agency that their journey began in 2022 with 4,000 coffee seedlings. Today, there are over 80 coffee farms in the region with around 100,000 coffee trees aged between 3 and 6 years.

Coffee planting occurs almost all year except in July and August. The trees flower in March and are harvested by October. The association supports farmers by organizing workshops and helping with post-harvest processing and marketing efforts. This support is crucial for maintaining the quality and sustainability of coffee production in Najran.

Hamad Al Abbas is a local farmer who exemplifies sustainable agriculture in Najran. He has successfully grown organic vegetables, leafy crops, strawberries, and stevia—a natural sweetener. His efforts highlight the potential for organic farming in the region.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's regional branch actively promotes organic farming by providing guidance and access to organic inputs. They also organize workshops to educate farmers about organic agriculture and encourage environmentally friendly practices.

These initiatives reflect Najran's dedication to sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental conservation. By embracing these practices, Najran strengthens its role in supporting the Kingdom's food security goals.

With inputs from SPA