Al-Jouf: A successful blending of regional and international fruit production

RIYADH: According to a recent Saudi Press Agency story, farmers in the Al-Jouf region gather fruits from more than two million trees each year, enhancing the area's standing as the Kingdom's "fruit basket."

Al-Jouf fruits are "renowned for their exceptional quality and taste," according to the SPA.

Based on data from the National Centre for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, the area, which is renowned for its rich soil, is home to 816,000 palm trees and over 1.3 million fruit trees.

Each year, the farms produce more than 170,000 tonnes of fruit, which is marketed in domestic and foreign markets.

According to the SPA report, "this supply contributes to the food security of the Kingdom, supports farmers and producers, and offers consumers high-quality natural products."

Fruit is harvested all year round, with a peak occurring in May and December. Thanks to the ideal climate and fresh water available in the Tabarjal Governorate, Al-Jouf produces a wide variety of fruits, such as figs, grapes, peaches, apricots, lemons, oranges, tangerines, apples, pears, watermelons, plums, nectarines, pomegranates, and other berries. Almonds and pistachios are also farmed in the area.

Accepting global and tropical varieties

The farmers in Al-Jouf have been inspired to experiment with imported crops like passion fruits and pineapples by their success in growing tropical and non-native fruits. Al-Jouf native trees are frequently exported for use in processing businesses and are also in demand abroad.

According to the SPA, "the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program promotes the cultivation of particular fruit varieties through the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture." Furthermore, groups and governmental organisations provide farmers and business owners with training courses in fruit growing, agricultural production, and processing.

According to the SPA, Al-Jouf's main tourist draws include the fruit farms in addition to "the region's natural beauty, moderate weather, and historical sites."

Source arabnews.com