Qatif Oasis Farms: The Lifeline of Eastern Province’s Fruit and Vegetable Markets
Spanning 800 sq. km from Safwa to Dammam, the farms of Qatif Oasis are the backbone of fruit and vegetable markets in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. These farms, totaling over 3,700 in number, play a crucial role in supplying a wide variety of seasonal produce, including vegetables, fruits, and fresh dates, from Al-Khafji in the north to Al-Ahsa in the south.
The region is home to more than 540,000 fruit-bearing palm trees, representing 30 different types of dates. Annually, these farms contribute 29.5 tonnes of dates to local markets, reported Saudi Press Agency.
Government Support and Agricultural Development
Fahd Al-Hamzi, director of the Eastern Province branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, highlighted the ministry’s efforts to support and develop the agricultural sector in the province. Initiatives include promoting strategic crops, improving resource management, and encouraging organic farming.
The ministry provides training programs, financial support, and utilizes platforms like Saudi Reef to market agricultural products in the region. It also educates farmers on production processes and the Saudi Dates platform to increase sales.
Future Plans and Modernization Efforts
The Saudi government has implemented laws to protect palm trees and enhance date production efficiency, making the Kingdom one of the world’s leading date producers. Future plans for regional agriculture include introducing modern technologies, improving infrastructure, and establishing processing factories.
The ministry is working on creating electronic platforms to streamline agricultural services and encouraging farmers to obtain organic or Saudi Good Agricultural Practices certification.
Local Farmer Testimonials and Market Impact
Local farmer Mohammed Al-Thawab praised Qatif’s agricultural tradition, citing the region’s fertile soil and abundant water sources as key factors contributing to the production of high-quality crops. He commended the ministry’s programs for educating farmers on modern practices.
Regional agricultural events like the Leafy Greens and Dates Festival have played a significant role in promoting farm products and supporting the agricultural community in the governorate. Fruit and vegetable seller Abdullah Khuraydah noted the diverse range of seasonal products available in Qatif and Dammam markets, emphasizing the critical role of dates in local merchant trade.
With unique advantages like fertile soil and plentiful water sources, Qatif continues to maintain its reputation for producing top-quality harvests and meeting consumer demand for nutritious fruits like dates.