RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has achieved self-sufficiency in fig production, with annual output exceeding 28,000 tonnes on 1,421 hectares of land across the country, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced.
In a statement posted on its website over the weekend, the MEWA said Jazan and Riyadh are the biggest producers with annual production in tonnes of 9,906 and 8,010, respectively.
Asir is third with 3,970, Makkah 1,635, Hail 1,033, Al-Jouf 874, Al-Baha 790, Qassim 737, Najran 645, Tabuk 348, Madinah 245, and the Northern Border 36.
Fig production season is from February to November, with the Madani, Turkish, Waziri, Kadota, and White King varieties the most popular, in addition to local ones.
Figs are known to have multiple health benefits, including helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, regulate blood pressure, strengthen bones, and improve hair and skin, according to the MEWA statement.
The ministry is working to develop the production, processing and marketing of figs through the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program across the country.
The government wants to raise awareness about the Kingdom’s diverse fruit options, and to support farmers by improving marketing and distribution.
Local farmer Bassam Al-Haboub, who has also joined the production initiative, planted 1,200 fig trees in two years.
He said he focuses on having high-quality soil and water, and cultivates a fig variety known for its abundant yield, firmness and transportability.
A graduate in agriculture, Al-Haboub has leveraged his expertise to market his produce locally.
He thanked the MEWA for organizing festivals that provide a platform for farmers to display their products and access valuable support services.
With SPA
