Agricultural training programs in Al-Ula during January: Dates and details

As part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development in AlUla Governorate, and in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to support food security and rural development, the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate, represented by the Farmers’ Services Center, has launched a comprehensive package of training courses and agricultural extension programs for January. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of farmers and empower them with the latest agricultural technologies.

Al-Ula: A historic agricultural oasis undergoing renewal

These programs are of particular importance given AlUla's historical significance as a fertile agricultural oasis throughout the ages. For thousands of years, AlUla has been a major caravan stop and a center for date and citrus production, thanks to its groundwater and fertile soil. Today, the Royal Commission seeks to revive this rich agricultural heritage and integrate it with the latest scientific practices to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and transform agriculture into a major economic and tourism driver for the region, especially given the global renown of AlUla's citrus fruits and dates.

Details of training programs for January

The courses are designed to cover all aspects of the agricultural and animal production process that are of interest to farmers in the region, and include the following topics:

• Harvesting and post-harvest areas: The courses focus on best practices for harvesting citrus fruits and post-harvest techniques to reduce losses, which is vital to increasing the economic return for farmers, in addition to the necessary technical operations in palm groves after the end of the season.
• Livestock: The programs address the feeding of farm animals during the winter to ensure their health and productivity, in addition to raising awareness about the causes of abortion in animals and ways to prevent it.
• Resources and Crops Management: The courses include checking the suitability and quality management of irrigation water, good practices for harvesting vegetables, how to manage and protect vegetable farms during periods of cold and frost, and identifying the most important diseases that may affect crops and methods of controlling them.

Wide geographical range to serve all farmers

To ensure the benefits reach the widest possible audience, these courses will be held throughout the governorate and its affiliated centers and villages from January 4th to 27th. Targeted locations include: Al-Hijr, Arar Village, Qir, Masadir, Al-Waha, Dadan, Al-Jadeeda, Mughayra, Al-Ain Al-Jadeeda, Hasat Al-Dab, Al-Najil, Katifa, Al-Mu'tadil, Al-Adhaib, Thurba, Abu Khurayt, and Fadla.

Economic and developmental impact

The importance of these training courses extends beyond the technical aspects, encompassing a broad economic and social impact. By improving the quality of agricultural products and reducing waste, farmers' incomes increase and their livelihoods improve. Furthermore, implementing international quality standards opens new avenues for marketing AlUla's products both locally and internationally, enhancing the region's position as a leading destination for agricultural and ecotourism, and supporting the Royal Commission for AlUla's strategy to preserve the region's vegetation and biodiversity.