Shadwi Coffee Cultivation: Essential To Daily Life In The Shada Mountains Region

The Shada Mountains in the Al-Baha Region have long been famous for growing Shadwi coffee. The area's fertile soil and rainy seasons make it ideal for coffee farming, which is a key part of local life. Agricultural expert Juman bin Hussein Al-Ghamdi shared his enthusiasm for coffee cultivation, highlighting government support that encourages farmers to restore their ancestral farms.

Al-Ghamdi, who spoke to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), explained how his biology knowledge helps him use effective farming techniques. He owns 10,000 coffee seedlings and emphasised the importance of selecting fertile soil and proper cultivation methods. "This encouragement has inspired farmers to revive their ancestral farms," Al-Ghamdi explained to SPA.

A coffee tree begins its growth about six weeks after planting. It takes one to two years to reach the seedling stage, growing up to three meters tall. Coffee production starts after roughly three years, initially yielding small amounts but increasing as the tree matures, eventually producing 5 to 10 kilograms.

The flowering phase occurs in April, with fruit harvesting starting in October. There are two types of coffee grown: a seasonal variety and a dwarf type that produces large beans year-round. The dwarf trees are prolific producers but do not exceed two meters in height.

In Shada Alalah, Shada Al-Asfal, and Sadr Al-Mezawdah within the Al-Baha region, over 200 farms cultivate more than 22,000 premium Saudi coffee trees. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture provides significant support to these farmers through initiatives like the Coffee City Development Project in Maashuqa.

This project aims to enhance agricultural practices and improve product quality while boosting marketing efforts. Located in Al-Qara governorate, it is the first initiative of its kind in Saudi Arabia and spans an area of 1.6 million square meters.

Maashuqa Coffee City Development Project

The Maashuqa project seeks to create 1,000 jobs and plant 300,000 coffee trees. Currently, it has reached a 55% completion rate with 250,000 seedlings planted out of a planned total of 450,000. This effort underscores the commitment to developing the region's agricultural potential.

Overall, these initiatives reflect a broader strategy to boost local agriculture by supporting traditional crops like Shadwi coffee. Such projects not only preserve cultural heritage but also provide economic opportunities for local communities.

With inputs from SPA