Agricultural training and extension programs in Al-Ula during January: Details
As part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and empower local communities, the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate, represented by its Farmers' Services Center, has launched a comprehensive package of agricultural training and extension programs for January. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on developing the agricultural sector and enhancing the efficiency of local production.
Ancient historical and agricultural context
AlUla Governorate boasts a long and rich agricultural history, with its lush oases serving as a source of life for millennia. The region is renowned for its fertile soil and abundant groundwater, making it a cradle for date palm and citrus cultivation. Today, the Royal Commission is working to revive this agricultural heritage by integrating traditional practices with cutting-edge scientific technologies to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and enhance food security in the region.
Details of training courses for January
The current program aims to enhance farmers' efficiency and equip them with the skills necessary to improve production quality. The courses cover a wide range of technical and scientific topics, including:
- Harvesting and post-harvest areas: Focus on good practices for picking citrus fruits and reducing losses, in addition to the necessary technical operations in palm groves after the end of the season.
- Livestock: Providing guidance on feeding farm animals during the winter to ensure their health and productivity, and discussing the causes and methods of preventing abortions in livestock.
- Water Resources Management: Specialized courses on the suitability and management of irrigation water quality, which is a vital focus given the importance of water conservation in arid regions.
- Vegetable crops: Introducing best harvesting practices, how to manage vegetable farms during cold spells, and identifying the most important diseases that may affect crops and methods of controlling them.
Wide geographical scope and developmental impact
To ensure the widest possible reach, these courses are being held in Al-Ula Governorate and its affiliated centers and villages, including: 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. The events will run from the 4th to the 27th of this month.
These initiatives reflect the Royal Commission for AlUla's commitment to supporting the local economy, where the agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the region's economic structure. These programs are expected to improve farmers' incomes and enhance the quality of AlUla's renowned agricultural products, such as oranges, lemons, and dates, thereby boosting their competitiveness in local and regional markets.
