RIYADH: Traditional farming in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, with its fertile land and abundant agricultural holdings, has long been a reliable source of food for the people of the Kingdom.
But despite the common use of chemical fertilizers and modern farming methods, many farmers in the region have taken the organic route through an initiative backed and promoted by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
Saad Al-Damik, a farmer for more than twenty years, said that organic farming was the best choice for achieving high-quality and abundant production, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
He highlighted the negative effects of chemical fertilizers, such as tree withering, increased soil acidity, and poor yields.
The farmer appreciated the support he had received from the ministry’s branch in Asir since registering his farm for the government’s organic scheme, which offers educational and awareness programs.
Al-Damik grows tangerines, grapes, oranges, figs, pears, apples, peaches, pomegranates, olives, lemons, and berries using organic manure from cattle and sheep.
Organic farming focuses on the sustainability of ecological agricultural systems and the production of healthy food. It aims to preserve natural resources such as water, soil, and biodiversity. Soil is the central component of organic farming, and the aim is to maximize its fertility and maintain its long-term vitality and health.
According to the ministry, organic farming involves recycling crop residues, animal manure, and green manure and incorporating them into the soil while excluding chemically manufactured pesticides and fertilizers.
The ministry’s Asir branch has been working to support and encourage farmers to transition to full-scale organic farming.
Organic Agriculture Initiatives in Saudi Arabia
One of the most important initiatives backed by the ministry is the growing demand for organic products, which has further motivated farmers to switch to sustainable methods.
Since the launch of the organic farming scheme, 6 farms in the Asir region have successfully transitioned, and thirty-two farms are in the process of adopting the system. The ministry has recently received more than thirty applications from farmers looking to make the move.
The Saudi government has been working to expand organic production and develop supportive services in the country since 2005.
