International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) and partners King Faisal University (KFU) have been involved in an initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Saudi Arabia, to improve mango and other tropical fruit production in the Kingdom, since late 2022. To date, the project has yielded preliminary assessments regarding the status of technology uptake in mango and tropical fruits production in Saudi Arabia, and recommendations regarding the establishment of high-density mango planting, suitable mango varieties and introduction of other potential tropical fruit types. One of the main recommendations was the establishment of demonstration plots which will showcase recent technologies and suitable varietals, both of mango and other tropical fruits.
A technical mission was conducted by TFNet, KFU with an observer from MEWA from 2nd to 7th June 2024, to follow up on project details regarding the establishment of demonstration plots in selected sites and other related activities. The visit comprised of meetings with officials from MEWA at the regional and headquarters level, discussion with project partner KFU, technical discussions with contractors and suppliers and visits to potential demonstration sites. The main objectives of the visit were to:
- To discuss and finalize with partner KFU and input suppliers the design and actual requirements for equipment, especially irrigation requirements for the pilot demonstration plots in Jazan Agricultural Research Center, AlQunfudah and Jubail.
- To undertake site visits to the plots identified to confirm suitability and to confirm ground layout plans for field implementation.
- To advise on nursery preparations for the supply of planting materials to the pilot demonstration plots, including varietal selection and sources for introduced and locally available varieties.
- Discuss on capacity building activities that have been identified, during the course of the project.
Generally, the aim of the technical mission was to confirm the procurement of equipment and initiate implementation of pilot demonstration plots in Jazan, AlQunfuda and Jubail, and at the same time provide advice in planting materials scheduling, varietal requirements and nursery preparations. The mission was conducted by Dr. Hassan Ali Dinar from KFU, Mr. Yacob Ahmad and Mr. Peter Johnson from TFNet, and Mr. Mohammad Dou Sary from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
For this year, there are already plans to set up a demonstration plot at Jazan Research Agricultural Center to feature and evaluate the performance of 3 mango varieties (Kiett, Irwin and Palmer) with 3 different planting densities (HDP), also including ultra-high density planting (UHDP), grown under and without shade. Another plot in a private farm in AlQunfudah will feature high-density planting for the three mango varieties. For observations, other potential tropical fruits such as new varieties of pitaya (dragonfruit), jackfruit, rose apple and sapote will be included in selected plots in Jubail.
The plans and schedule to initiate field implementation were presented and discussed in a meeting with MEWA officials on 6 June 2024 at MEWA headquarters in Riyadh. Discussions revolved around final and immediate preparations to ensure smooth implementation on the ground. H.E. Dr. Suliman AlKhateeb, Director General, Plant Resources, MEWA KSA and Advisor to the Deputy Minister of MEWA, advised the KFU and TFNet project team to expedite the project field implementation the soonest possible.
