In Riyadh, Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Mansour Al-Mushaiti, delivered a keynote address at the International Saudi Coffee Exhibition in Jazan, where he highlighted the remarkable evolution of Saudi Arabia's coffee industry over the past decade. This transformation has seen the industry expand from a primarily local focus to a globally recognized sector. Specifically, the Jazan region stands out with over 2,000 coffee farms currently in operation, collectively producing more than 1,000 tons of coffee each year.
The exhibition, organized by the Jazan Development Strategic Office, serves as a vital platform for fostering the continued growth and advancement of the coffee industry. It offers a range of specialized training programs, workshops, and cultural events designed to support and enhance coffee cultivation practices within the region. These initiatives aim to bolster the local coffee farming community by providing valuable resources and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Al-Mushaiti underscored the crucial role of the agricultural sector in driving national development, emphasizing the significance of ongoing initiatives to promote coffee projects across Saudi Arabia's southwestern region. Notable efforts include plans for the establishment of new coffee processing facilities in the Al-Dayer governorate, the implementation of model coffee nurseries in Jazan and Asir, and the development of a pioneering coffee city in Al-Baha.
Furthermore, the Kingdom's Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program has played a pivotal role in supporting various agricultural industries, with coffee farmers being a significant beneficiary group. To date, the program has allocated over SR155 million ($41.3 million) to support 7,256 individuals involved in agriculture, further contributing to the expansion and sustainability of the coffee industry.
Local farmers, speaking at the exhibition, expressed their enthusiasm for coffee cultivation, describing it as a fulfilling activity enjoyed by their families. Despite the patience required for coffee cultivation, with trees taking three to four years to produce fruit, farmers praised the assistance provided by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in increasing coffee production. Their positive experiences serve as an inspiration for other farmers, encouraging them to explore opportunities within the thriving coffee industry.
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2460061/saudi-arabia
Photo Credit: The minister highlighted the focus on coffee projects, reflecting the diverse agricultural landscape of Saudi Arabia’s southwestern region. (SPA)
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