RIYADH: Jazan is preparing to kick off its 21st annual Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival next Wednesday at Sabya Front, where more than 60 varieties of local mangoes and other tropical fruits will be on display.
Mohammed Al-Atif, Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s (MEWA) Jazan branch, emphasized that the festival is a valuable opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs to promote their crops and expand their market reach.
Jazan is home to over 3.36 million trees of six popular tropical fruits: mango, fig, banana, guava, papaya, and custard apple, producing 123,311 tons of fruit annually, according to the report.
The festival, which started in May 2005, is the region’s oldest agricultural event. It is organized by MEWA’s Jazan branch, in collaboration with Sabya and other regional partners.
Al-Atif noted that the festival has played a key role in advancing the cultivation of mangoes and tropical fruits, leading to growth in the number of farmers, farms, and production volumes.
Over the past 20 years, the festival has significantly boosted interest in cultivating mangoes and tropical fruits, supported farmers’ initiatives, and helped drive economic and social development in the region.
Research by the National Center for Research and Development of Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) has contributed to the advancement of mango and tropical fruit cultivation in Jazan.
The center has tested more than 70 varieties of tropical fruits and mangoes, including guava, papaya, pineapple, and banana.
Dr. Khalid Al-Rohily, Acting Director General of Estidamah, stressed the importance of research and development in strengthening the agricultural sector.
The center’s farm fields span 40 hectares and aim to improve productivity and quality.
These initiatives are part of Estidamah’s strategy to support farmers, incorporate modern agricultural techniques, and foster sustainable development in the sector, ultimately boosting Jazan’s role as a key agricultural hub in Saudi Arabia.
[Reported by Saudi Press Agency]
