Agriculture in Najran Province is one of the essential economic sectors and represents a significant source of food security in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agricultural holdings in the province are estimated to cover an area of approximately 27,000 ha.
Najran Province and its governorates possess diverse agricultural potential, including fertile soil, a moderate climate throughout the year, and geographical diversity between mountainous highlands and plains. Additionally, the province employs modern technologies.
Agricultural crops in Najran Province
Among the vegetables grown in Najran Province are tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, zucchini, beans, onions, mint, parsley, and lettuce. Additionally, citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines, and lemons are cultivated. The province is also known for its various types of Najrani wheat, including Samaa, Samraa, and agricultural wheat. Moreover, palm cultivation is prominent, with notable dates such as Khalas, Bayadh, Rotab, Barhi, and Mawakil.
Official efforts in developing agriculture in Najran Province
The branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in Najran provides guidance services to farmers on modern farming and irrigation methods. It encourages farmers to use pesticides and fertilizers correctly and scientifically, ensuring their suitability to maintain the safety and quality of agricultural products. This is achieved through the activation of regulatory activities on agricultural crops to protect consumers. Additionally, the branch organizes advisory seminars, training courses, awareness lectures, and workshops that contribute to the transfer of expertise and experiences to farmers.
The Horticultural Development Research Center in Najran Province works on developing high-value crops, especially horticultural crops, by providing disease-free seedlings of citrus and other fruits. Additionally, the center plays a role in offering modern agricultural technologies and appropriate agricultural guidance. It also raises awareness among farmers and guides them on how to maintain the citrus trees that are characteristic of the province.
Citrus cultivation in Najran Province
Citrus cultivation in Najran Province spans an area of five thousand ha. The Horticultural Development Research Center plays a role in educating and guiding farmers on how to establish and manage farms specializing in citrus cultivation. This is achieved through ongoing experiments in selecting rootstocks and varieties and choosing the most suitable options for each area based on soil and water quality.
The center has produced more than 1.7 million grafted seedlings free from viral, sub-viral, and bacterial diseases to ensure that all planted trees are certified and disease-free, thus reducing the spread of diseases. Certain varieties have been approved for commercial propagation and distribution to farmers in Najran Province and other parts of the Kingdom. Additionally, the center conducts experiments on citrus rootstocks, soil fertility, citrus nutrition, fertilization, irrigation, plant protection, and agricultural practices. The goal is to provide farmers with modern techniques for caring for citrus trees through guidance and training.
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