Riyadh Boosts Coffee Production in Jazan Region
In a move to enhance the coffee production in southwest Saudi Arabia, the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, known as “Weqa,” along with relevant authorities, joined forces in a workshop held on Thursday. The aim was to increase the number of trees in the Jazan region.
Dr. Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Khuraiji, head of the plant health sector at Weqa, emphasized the center’s commitment to implementing preventive and remedial measures to ensure the health and sustainability of plants and animals. He also highlighted the importance of boosting private sector participation in the region.
The workshop focused on the collaborative efforts between government and private agencies to integrate the work of all stakeholders and develop sustainable coffee cultivation practices in Jazan.
Discussions during the workshop included an overview of the projects and initiatives by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to strengthen the coffee sector in Jazan. The role of the Weqa Center in achieving this goal was also highlighted, along with a review of previous efforts to harmonize coffee production initiatives.
The workshop shed light on the contributions of rural communities in the coffee sector, as well as the support provided by the Mountain Regions Development and Reconstruction Authority in enhancing agriculture, particularly coffee production. Additionally, attendees learned about the importance of organic agriculture management.
Earlier this year, the Jazan Development Strategic Office organized the first International Saudi Coffee Exhibition in Jazan. The event aimed to share farming expertise, promote best practices, support initiatives for coffee cultivation, and position Jazan as a global trade hub.
Speaking at the exhibition’s opening ceremony, Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al-Mushaiti highlighted the significant growth of the Kingdom’s coffee industry on a global scale over the past decade.
Jazan, known as the Kingdom’s fruit basket, is also renowned for its coffee production, which is deeply rooted in the region’s heritage. The governorates of Al-Dayer, Fifa, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, and Al-Aidabi host numerous coffee farms.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Jazan boasts over 2,000 coffee farms, yielding more than 1,000 tons of coffee annually.