Economic / 30 varieties of figs and more than 100,000 trees support agricultural production diversity in Qassim

Buraidah, Muharram 21, 1448 AH, corresponding to July 6, 2026, SPA — As part of the diversity of agricultural production in the Qassim region, and the agricultural sector's utilization of its natural resources and the development of its farming practices, fig cultivation has emerged in recent years as one of the promising crops, alongside dates, peaches, grapes, melons, watermelons, and other crops for which the region is known, supporting the food security system and aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The Qassim region produces about 30 varieties of figs from around 30 farms that include more than 100,000 fig trees, including local and international varieties, most notably: Brown Turkey, Sultani, Baladi, Spanish Yellow, Spanish Black, Tiger, along with several European varieties, reflecting the region's success in diversifying its agricultural production and expanding the cultivation of economically valuable crops. Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Qassim region, Engineer Salman bin Jarallah Al-Suwain, confirmed in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency that the Qassim region has become an attractive environment for investment in fig cultivation, hosting more than ten specialized projects for its production and development, in addition to seedling production and support for related processing industries. He pointed out that this sector receives support and attention from the Governor of Qassim region, who is keen to support national agricultural products through specialized festivals and events, enhancing their marketing, expanding investment opportunities, and contributing to establishing the region's position as one of the most prominent agricultural areas in the Kingdom. He added that the growth in fig production has contributed to supporting related processing industries, through the production of jam, dried figs, and molasses, as well as enhancing the participation of productive families in this activity, increasing the added value of the product and supporting the diversification of agricultural products. In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, farmer Mohammed Al-Hassan, who has 8 years of experience in fig cultivation, attributed his interest in growing this crop to the availability of suitable environmental factors in the Qassim region, along with high productivity and fruit quality, which contributed to the success of its cultivation and spread in the region. He explained that he grows the Brown Turkey and Spanish Black varieties, noting that the production season begins in the month of Muharram and lasts for six months, requiring continuous follow-up and careful attention from the beginning to the end of the season to ensure production quality and achieve the best results. Al-Hassan confirmed an increasing demand from farmers for fig cultivation in the Qassim region due to the region's suitable environmental conditions and factors, in addition to the efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in the region in providing agricultural guidance, conducting lectures and awareness programs, and organizing guidance tours, contributing to raising farmers' efficiency, developing their agricultural practices, and enhancing the production of this crop. The growth of fig cultivation in the Qassim region is accompanied by the implementation of initiatives aimed at developing agricultural infrastructure, raising production efficiency, and enhancing crop sustainability, supporting the food security system and raising the economic value of the agricultural sector, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. // End // 19:43 T M 0163