RIYADH: AlUla governorate is witnessing a growing expansion in saffron cultivation trials as part of efforts to diversify crops and leverage the region’s unique environmental advantages.
The move is contributing to the introducing of high-value products into the area’s agricultural system and will enhance its sustainability, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The Kingdom’s saffron localization project, led by the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, has produced premium-grade saffron in accordance with ISO 3632 standards.
Scientific and field trials conducted on several farms, including in AlUla, demonstrated the suitability of its soil and environment for successful cultivation. Known as Estidamah, the saffron localization project was launched by the center in 2024 in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and King Saud University.
The project advances applied research, implements specialized agricultural initiatives and improves production efficiency and value chains for high-return crops. The initiative included field and research trials across 10 regions of the Kingdom. It also relies on an integrated support system encompassing technical guidance, advisory services, training, and field monitoring.
Farmers received specialized programs covering all stages of production, from soil preparation and crop management to harvesting and processing, helping improve efficiency and product quality. Under the project, more than 500,000 saffron corms were distributed to 43 farmers, and research outcomes were implemented on more than 40 farms.
Farmer Afat Al-Anazi said the support enhanced his experience and yielded tangible improvements in production quality, highlighting the role of continuous specialist follow-up in refining agricultural practices.
He encouraged other farmers to utilize the programs and diversify their crops, emphasizing that doing so boosted economic returns and supported the national economy.
