Saudi Reef Initiates Project To Increase Coffee Tree Productivity By 30% Through Tissue Culture Technology

The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has partnered with the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) to boost coffee seedling production using tissue culture technology. This initiative aims to enhance coffee tree productivity by 30% and plant 50,000 seedlings by the end of 2025.

Saudi Reef Spokesperson Majid Al-Buraikan highlighted several achievements of the coffee tree tissue culture project. These include re-evaluating 82 genetic patterns, which were streamlined into 12 groups based on their morphological similarities. The project also initiated seedling production from selected genetic cuttings, planting 1,000 cuttings to yield traceable seedlings.

Al-Buraikan noted that the project has developed varieties resistant to diseases and drought. Additionally, fourteen knowledge products have been created, focusing on advanced techniques and good agricultural practices to improve coffee farms and boost productivity. A technical review of the coffee cultivation guide was completed, along with a book on coffee resources for managing production and post-harvest operations in Saudi Arabia.

The initiative included organizing workshops and scientific seminars to train over 200 farmers and stakeholders. These sessions aimed to qualify participants in modern farming techniques. The program also involved participation in international conferences, forums, and exhibitions related to the coffee sector to exchange expertise and stay updated on industry developments.

Four study tours were conducted as part of the project, involving more than 109 farmers. These tours included visits to experimental fields, demonstration farms, and cooperatives both domestically and internationally. Farmers had the opportunity to learn about modern practices and technologies during these visits, which they could then apply to their own farms.

Majid Al-Buraikan emphasized that these efforts are crucial for enhancing the overall productivity of coffee farms in Saudi Arabia. By adopting advanced techniques and sharing knowledge through various platforms, the program aims to significantly improve the quality and yield of coffee production in the region.

With inputs from SPA