Prickly Pear Boom: How a Humble Cactus is Revolutionizing Agriculture in Saudi Arabia
In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Baha region, a humble cactus is sparking an agricultural revolution. The prickly pear, known locally as Al-Barshumi, has blossomed from a niche crop into a burgeoning industry.
The Rise of Prickly Pear Cultivation
Once confined to private farms, prickly pear cultivation has spurred scientific research and yielded an array of food, medical and cosmetic products.
A Vibrant Tapestry of Growth
The fruit’s triumph is evident in the vibrant tapestry of green, yellow and red hues that now adorn Baha’s mountains, terraces, valleys and plains — a spectacle amplified by the region’s regular rainfall.
Agricultural Renaissance in Baha
Fahd Al-Zahrani, director general of the Baha branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, spoke about the government’s commitment to this agricultural renaissance.
The Al-Sarah Al-Barshumi Initiative
The initiative’s architect, Faeq Al-Ghamdi, recounted its humble beginnings and its growth into a network of cooperating farms producing a variety of innovative products.
Health Benefits of Prickly Pears
Beyond its economic impact, the prickly pear boom promises significant health benefits, according to Dr. Nadia Al-Zahrani, a nutrition specialist at Al-Baha University.
Embracing Modern Cultivation Techniques
A number of farmers in the region are cultivating prickly pears, capitalizing on the area’s unique environmental assets, leveraging the region’s fertile soil and abundant water resources.