Traditional agriculture in the Asir region, with its fertile lands and abundant agricultural holdings, has long been a reliable source of food for the population.
Despite the prevalence of modern farming methods and chemical fertilizers, many farmers in the region prefer organic farming, which has become a key initiative supported and promoted by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
Saad Al Damik, a farmer with over 20 years of experience, told the Saudi Press Agency that organic farming is the best choice for achieving abundant and high-quality produce, and highlighted the negative effects of chemical fertilizers, such as increased soil acidity, tree withering and poor yields.
He also commended the unlimited support provided by the ministry's branch in Asir, which offers educational and awareness programs about the benefits of organic farming.
Al Damik's farm has orange, tangerine, grape, fig, pomegranate, olive, pear, apple, peach and lemon trees, as well as berries. He fertilizes his crops with organic manure obtained from cattle and sheep several times a year.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, organic farming relies on a closed farming cycle that involves the mutual use of environments, including soil, plants, animals and humans. It involves recycling crop residues, animal manure and green manure, incorporating them into the soil, while excluding chemically manufactured fertilizers and pesticides.
Since the launch of the organic farming initiative, six farms in the Asir region have successfully transitioned; currently, 32 farms undergoing the transition are being evaluated and monitored. The ministry has received over 30 applications for transitioning in recent months, which is an indication of a growing interest in organic farming.
