Agricultural achievement: Blackberry production in the Eastern Province exceeds 5 kg
The Eastern Province branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has achieved a remarkable agricultural milestone, with blackberry yields 5.26 kilograms per square meter in greenhouses during the spring season. This figure reflects the success of using modern grafting techniques, which primarily aim to reduce reliance on imports and enhance self-sufficiency and food security in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Micro-fruit cultivation is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by technological advancements and variety diversification to meet the growing domestic demand for fresh produce.
Historical development of protected agriculture in the Kingdom
Historically, cultivating fruits that require a temperate climate, such as berries, has been a major challenge in the Arabian Peninsula due to high temperatures and water scarcity. However, recent decades have witnessed a radical transformation with the adoption of modern agricultural technologies. National strategies have accelerated this shift by supporting farmers in adopting greenhouses and smart irrigation systems. This strategic approach has not only conserved water but has also enabled farmers to create precise and ideal climates for growing crops previously unfamiliar to the region, paving the way for unprecedented agricultural successes.
Variety of varieties and spring harvest season
The Director of the Agriculture Department at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's Eastern Province branch, Engineer Waleed Al-Shuwaired, explained that mulberries are among the early spring fruits, distinguished by their numerous varieties and attractive colors. He indicated that the locally cultivated varieties include sweet white mulberries, shades ranging from deep red to dark red, as well as black mulberries rich in antioxidants, and similar purple varieties. Al-Shuwaired noted that the fruit's flavor gradually changes from tartness to sweetness as it ripens, making it a beloved and sought-after fruit for all age groups. Farmers utilize advanced grafting techniques to obtain mulberries of different colors and sizes on a single tree. Heat- and drought-tolerant varieties have also been introduced, such as the Turkish mulberry, known for its abundant yield and sweet taste. The flowering and fruiting season begins in mid-March and continues until early May.
The economic impact of increased blackberry production locally and regionally
The record-breaking productivity of blackberries is of paramount importance and has multifaceted implications. Locally, this promising economic crop contributes to diversifying farmers' income sources and directly supports the growing agritourism sector. Regionally, the successful cultivation of blackberries in open fields and greenhouses in areas such as the Eastern Province, Qatif, Al-Ahsa, Al-Baha, Asir, and parts of Riyadh and Qassim provides an inspiring model for neighboring countries with similar climatic conditions. Internationally, this achievement reinforces the Kingdom's position as a nation capable of harnessing technology to overcome environmental challenges, directly contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals and food diversification.
Challenges of agriculture and organic pest control methods
Despite these successes, mulberry cultivation requires meticulous agricultural practices. Farmers prefer to harvest the crop in the early morning hours after the dew has evaporated to preserve the delicate fruit's freshness. Fields face ongoing challenges from pests such as whiteflies, spider mites, and mulberry moths. This necessitates early agricultural intervention through preventative measures to protect the trees. Control begins with the natural planting of repellent plants like mint, basil, and onions around the bushes, supplemented by covering the plants with special netting. Moderate irrigation and good drainage also play a crucial role in preventing the accumulation of moisture that attracts pests. Regular pruning contributes to tree aeration. To protect the fruit, periodic inspections are conducted, and environmentally safe organic pesticides such as garlic solutions and neem oil are used to effectively repel insects, ensuring a bountiful and clean crop of the highest quality reaches the consumer.
