Al-Ahsa Agriculture 2025: 139 neglected farms identified and organic products supported
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Al-Ahsa Governorate announced a series of qualitative achievements made by the Integrated Farm and Organic Agriculture Guidance Center during 2025, which come within the framework of continuous efforts to enhance the sustainability of the agricultural sector in one of the most important agricultural oases in the Kingdom and the region.
Al-Ahsa: Agricultural depth and strategic importance
These efforts are particularly important given Al-Ahsa's status as a historic agricultural oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a major food source for the Kingdom. The Ministry's initiatives align with the goals of Vision 2030 in achieving food security, preserving agricultural land, and supporting sound agricultural practices that ensure high-quality and sustainable production for future generations.
Strict control over organic products
In detailing the achievements, the Director General of the Office, Dr. Atiyah Al-Thaqafi, explained that the inspection teams conducted intensive campaigns to ensure food safety, including 32 thorough inspection tours of organic product outlets to verify their compliance with standards. Simultaneously, another 32 tours were carried out to collect samples and test for pesticide residues, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to ensuring that consumers have access to safe and healthy products and to enhancing confidence in locally produced goods.
Addressing visual pollution and agricultural pests
In a move aimed at improving the urban and environmental landscape and protecting productive farms from infestation, the center has decisively addressed the issue of neglected farms. Field teams conducted 76 surveys, identifying 139 neglected farms. These farms are potential breeding grounds for agricultural pests that could threaten neighboring crops. Efforts are currently underway to contact the owners to rectify the situation, thus contributing to eliminating visual pollution and maintaining a clean agricultural environment.
Supporting small farmers and the Saudi Green Initiative
In terms of developmental and economic support, the center continued its vital role in empowering farmers and productive families. It processed 3,276 applications through the "Reef" platform, the government program dedicated to supporting and enhancing the capabilities of small-scale agricultural producers. The center also actively contributed to the "Saudi Green" initiative by distributing more than 5,000 seedlings, a step aimed at increasing vegetation cover and combating desertification.
Comprehensive agricultural guidance and community awareness
Al-Thaqafi revealed the results of the agricultural extension fieldwork, where specialized teams conducted 463 extension visits, providing detailed technical consultations on modern irrigation systems, fertilization, and integrated pest management. In the beekeeping sector, the center recorded 165 visits to assess sites and inspect hives to ensure the quality of the honey produced.
For his part, the Deputy Director of the Agriculture Department, Engineer Muhammad bin Saad Al-Aboud, pointed out that the center did not neglect the awareness and community aspect, as it participated in 9 major festivals, most notably the Al-Ahsa Processed Dates Marketing Festival, and implemented 35 training programs and workshops, in addition to receiving student and academic delegations, to consolidate the concepts of smart and sustainable agriculture among the various segments of society.
