TFNet & KFU to recommend technologies and best practices in model and demo plots to improve the mango and tropical fruit industry in Saudi Arabia

International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) and King Faisal University (KFU), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently conducted a 2nd joint mission from 22 July to 1 August 2023 in a project to improve mango and other tropical fruit production in the Kingdom. The main aim of the mission was to follow up to a previous mission in February/March and to decisively confirm the required technologies and practices that would be recommended for model and demonstration plots and farms that could be used as extension focal points to improve mango production in the country. The mission was conducted by Mr. Yacob Ahmad and Mr. Peter Johnson from International Tropical Fruits Network, Dr. Hassan Ali Dinar from KFU and Mr. Ferhad Al Mehaish from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The main objectives of the visit were to:

1. Follow up to some of the observations and confirming on the recommendations made during last mission in February/March 2023, including visits to other mango growing areas to identify any issues that are impacting mango production in the country.
2. To conduct training sessions with trainers on selected practices that can assist to improve production and quality of harvest.
3. To confirm selection of sites in Jazan Agricultural Research Station and farmers fields that can be developed as model or demonstration plots spotlighting on new technologies or best practices.

The 10-day assignment was a program of scheduled visits, training sessions, meetings and discussions with officials and researchers from MEWA and mango growers, as follows:

1. Meetings and discussions with partners from the Institute of Research and Consultancy, King Faisal University and Directors and officials at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
2. Visit mango farms and discuss with mango producers on production and market constraints. The farms visited were in the regions of Jazan, Assir and Al Qunfudah.
3. Training of agricultural engineers, technicians and growers in canopy management and quality management, specifically on sap management.
4. Visit and discussions with mango researchers on the proposed model farm that would be established at Jazan Agricultural Research Center.
5. Debriefing meeting with officials from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) and KFU on 01 August with an outline of the proposed sites and recommended practices and technologies.

Among the issues raised, observed, and discussed were proposed varieties, high and medium density planting techniques, mitigating the spread of termite and stem borer attacks, efficient nutrition and water management, proper establishment of new farms and reducing the effect of salinity. The establishment of model and demonstration plots in selected areas was also discussed to highlight selected practices that could improve mango productivity.

Among the technologies and practices that will be included in the model farms and demonstration plots are:

1. Model observation plots on high to medium density planting incorporating three cultivars, three planting distances, precise irrigation and fertilizer management and using sunshade to reduce scorching. The model plot will be established at the Jazan Agricultural Research Station and at Al Qunfuda.
2. The demonstration plots in farmers field will highlight practices such as canopy management, mulching practices, matured grafting, wind damage control and efficient water and nutrition management.
3. Demonstrations on pests’ management include termite control, stem borer control and fruit fly management.,
4. Post harvest management includes proper harvesting techniques, sap management and quality management.
5. Demonstration on farms that are affected by saline water conditions.

A complete interim report with design and implementation plans for the model and demonstration farms is currently being prepared.

Article and photos by Yacob Ahmad, TFNet Advisor