Race Against Time: Farmers in Asir Mountains Harvest Abundant Wheat Crop
As the summer rains approach, farmers in Saudi Arabia’s Sarawat Mountains of Asir are scrambling to bring in their wheat harvest before it’s too late.
Abundance and Quality
Reported by the Saudi Press Agency, this year’s wheat crop in Asir is not only abundant but also of superior quality.
Traditional Harvest
The wheat-cultivation cycle in Asir starts in February and lasts five to six months, culminating in the traditional harvest known as Al-Sareem.
Modernization vs. Tradition
While some farmers still use traditional sickles for harvesting, many have adopted modern machinery like large harvesters and handheld devices.
Diverse Grain Production
Local farmer Issa Al-Waymani highlighted the diverse grain production in Asir’s terraces, including various wheat varieties, barley, and white and yellow corn.
Harvesting Process
Al-Waymani explained that when the wheat ears turn yellow and reach full maturity, it’s time to harvest. The crops are then taken to designated threshing areas called Al-Jareen.
Evolution of Threshing Grounds
Traditionally, cattle or camels would drag a large stone over the crop to separate the grains from their husks. However, modern methods using machines have largely replaced these practices.
Concentration of Wheat Production
The report mentioned that the region’s wheat production is concentrated along the Sarawat mountain range, from Dhahran Al-Janub in the south to Balqarn in the north.
Quality Grains
Areas like Al-Soudah, Tabab, Billahmer, and Billasmar are known for producing the highest quality grains in the region for local markets and summer festivals in Asir.
Protection and Marketing
Farmers in Asir take great care to protect their crops from birds and monkeys until the harvest is complete. After threshing and winnowing, the crop is weighed for Zakat purposes before being sold.
Nutritional Benefits
Local wheat in Asir is packed with essential fatty acids, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, and fiber. It is believed to lower cholesterol levels and aid digestion, according to the SPA report.