Qassim, December 22, 2024 – The cultivation of strawberries and other berries in the Qassim region has emerged as a remarkable success story, highlighting the region's agricultural innovation and the determination of local farmers to reduce dependence on imported produce. This initiative not only reflects the growing ambitions of the region’s farming community but also showcases their commitment to producing high-quality fruits that meet competitive global standards.
Driven by the desire to enhance self-sufficiency and contribute to food security, farmers in Qassim have successfully cultivated strawberries and other berries, demonstrating their ability to adapt and innovate in the face of environmental challenges. Agricultural Engineer Saleh Ibrahim Al-Kaid, in an interview with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), emphasized that this achievement was the result of "significant research and development" efforts, which included collaboration with international experts. "We conducted extensive research to identify the ideal growing conditions, including soil composition, nutrient supplementation, and environmental control in greenhouses," Al-Kaid explained. This research has been vital in overcoming the challenges of growing these delicate fruits in a region that historically has not been known for berry production.
To ensure optimal growth conditions, local farmers have embraced cutting-edge techniques, including the use of hydroponic farming systems. Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, involves using vertical towers filled with volcanic rock as a growing medium. According to Al-Kaid, hydroponics has proven to be a game-changer for berry cultivation in Qassim, offering several significant advantages over traditional farming methods. "Hydroponics allows us to cultivate significantly more plants per unit area compared to traditional land-based methods. For example, a 360-square-meter greenhouse can accommodate approximately 9,000 seedlings using hydroponics, compared to only 2,500-3,000 in traditional soil-based cultivation," he noted. This system not only increases the yield but also allows for more efficient use of space and resources.
In addition to maximizing space and productivity, hydroponics also simplifies plant care. It reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. By using organic farming practices, Qassim's farmers ensure the safety and quality of their produce, meeting the growing consumer demand for fresh, chemical-free fruits. The adoption of clean agricultural practices has been crucial in ensuring that the strawberries and cranberries produced are of the highest standards, with minimal environmental impact.
The successful cultivation of these berries also highlights the potential for Qassim to become a key player in the Kingdom's agricultural sector. It serves as an excellent example of how innovation and sustainable practices can transform the agricultural landscape, making the region a hub for local food production. By leveraging advanced farming techniques, Qassim's farmers are contributing to the Kingdom's goal of achieving greater food security and reducing reliance on imports.
The success story of strawberry and cranberry cultivation in Qassim is more than just a local achievement. It represents a shift towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural model that can be replicated across the Kingdom. As the region continues to develop its capacity for agricultural innovation, it stands as a testament to the potential of local farmers to adapt to modern agricultural challenges and contribute to the broader national vision of food security and sustainable development.
