10 Million Trees Supply Markets with More Than 560,000 Tons of Fruit

Al-Jouf Region transforms into an open-air fruit festival throughout the year, as farms and markets are adorned with the vibrant natural colors of more than 10 million fruit trees, producing a variety of high-quality fruits.
 Al-Jouf is renowned as the Kingdom's food basket and is nicknamed the "Fruit Basket" due to the abundance of grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits grown in its fertile lands.
 In this context, Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Sakaka Dr. Aqab Al-Ruwaili confirmed that accurate statistics support these abundant production figures. He noted that records of the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa Center) document the presence of 1.5 million fruit and almond trees in the region, in addition to 900,000 date palm trees.
 Dr. Al-Ruwaili explained that this dense vegetation translates into substantial production that supports the food security system, noting that farms in the region produce more than 560,000 tons of fruit annually. The produce is marketed locally and internationally, enhancing economic returns for farmers and providing consumers with high-quality natural products.
 These fruits are harvested throughout the year, with the peak harvest season extending from May to December. The season begins with figs, grapes, peaches, and apricots, followed by citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and tangerines.
 Al-Jouf is distinguished by its rich agricultural diversity, particularly in grape cultivation, with 11 registered varieties. Other crops include apples, quince, pears, prickly pears, watermelons, plums, blackberries, mulberries, and strawberries. The region's moderate climate and freshwater resources provide an ideal environment for strawberry cultivation.
 The region also produces nectarines, pomegranates, pistachios, and almonds. Production is not limited to traditional varieties, as successful agricultural trials have encouraged farmers to cultivate tropical and international varieties, including Brazilian passion fruit, which has proven successful in Dumat Al-Jandal, and pineapple, which thrives under suitable climatic conditions and protection from cold weather.
 In addition, the region exports fruit tree seedlings and cuttings to other countries, while farmers invest surplus production in value-added industries, including drying, jam and juice production, and the manufacture of various fig-based products.