https://arab.news/zhbjp
- Closed-loop farming supports environment
- Rising Saudi demand for organic products
RIYADH: Organic farming in Taif province鈥檚 villages and its serene mountain and valley farms represents a continuation of an ancient tradition.
This approach avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring that farms do not damage their surrounding environment, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Inherited organic farming wisdom from previous generations boosts the health of consumers and the vitality of soil, water, plants, and wildlife.
The farming methods practiced in Taif involve a closed-loop system in which animal and plant waste is recycled into natural fertilizers.
Abdullah Saed Al-Talhi, an 80-year-old Saudi farmer, has been farming in terraced fields in Taif's in the Al-Shafa mountains since he was young. (SPA)
This approach supports crop cultivation and animal husbandry, aligning with 抖阴短视频鈥檚 Vision 2030鈥檚 food security and sustainability objectives.
Drawing upon his years of experience tending terraced fields in the Al-Shafa mountains, 80-year-old farmer Abdullah Saed Al-Talhi told the SPA that organic agriculture is a fast-growing industry.
鈥淐onsumer demand for nutritious organic products is reshaping our industry,鈥� he explained.
鈥淲orking these mountain terraces has taught me that organic farming is more than a cultivation method 鈥� it is our legacy to future generations, ensuring sustainable food production for years to come.鈥�
鈥淥rganic farming operates through two distinct approaches,鈥� Al-Talhi said. 鈥淲e have protected greenhouse cultivation and open-field farming, but both share the same fundamental principle: producing pure food without chemical interventions.鈥�
He emphasized that this natural approach encompasses every aspect of farming 鈥� from soil enhancement and seed selection to pest control methods.
鈥淭he Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has spearheaded remarkable efforts to advance organic farming in Taif,鈥� he added.
The ministry offers instructional programs to budding organic farmers, supporting the establishment of new farms, increased production from existing farms, and the import and export of organic products.
Other support from the ministry includes securing certification to ensure the credibility of products in Saudi and international markets.
Speaking at a recent organic market event in Taif, Al-Talhi said: 鈥淭he market for organic products is experiencing remarkable growth.鈥�