TAIF: The government on Thursday launched the second edition of its Agricultural Extension Convoy to help support the rose industry in Taif.
The three-day event, staged by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, is being held under the patronage of Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz.
According to local farmer Rashed Al-Qurashi, the ministry鈥檚 support comes at a crucial time for the industry, as the price of rose oil has been in steep decline.
鈥淎 12-gram bottle of Taif rose oil used to sell for SR5,000 ($1,330) but is now just a fifth of that price, which is too low compared with the production cost,鈥 he told Arab News.
Taif鈥檚 rose oil and rose water are regarded as being among the best in the world, but the industry is facing major challenges, including water shortages and a lack of skilled workers.
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Farmer Mohammed Mufarij Al- Malki said that while farming had traditionally been a family affair, with relatives working together to grow crops, the industry had gone through many changes, including the introduction of social media to market and sell products.
鈥淭aif鈥檚 rose farms are on top of mountains, which contributes to their high quality but water there is scarce,鈥 Al-Qurashi said.
鈥淭he industry also needs support in tackling parasites and fungi that are harming rose trees, but the most important issue now is (the lack of) water.鈥
Saeed Al-Ghamdi, director general of the Makkah regional branch of the environment ministry, told Arab News that the aim of the agricultural convoy was to improve farmers鈥 knowledge and skills by changing their behaviors and implementing best practices.
鈥淭he convoy is so important as it allows farmers to share experiences and get the results of the latest agricultural research,鈥 he said.
鈥淟ocal farmers are keen to increase the quality and quantity of their production, and every other year, we reap the fruit of this convoy through the increases in agricultural production.鈥
He added that during the convoy, farmers were able to speak to experts who use 鈥渧ery simple language鈥 to ensure they get their information across.
鈥淭he convoy also includes a mobile laboratory truck where farmers can learn more about the soil on their farms and get advice,鈥 he said, adding that there were also specialist clinics and workshops, including ones to help beekeepers.
Farmer Mohammed Mufarij Al-Malki said that while farming had traditionally been a family affair, with relatives working together to grow crops, the industry had gone through many changes, including the introduction of social media to market and sell products.
鈥淭heir are new techniques and farmers can export their crops and market their products through electronic stores, said Al-Malki, who has 70,000 followers on TikTok.
鈥淲ith Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, launched by King Salman and the crown prince, farming has a bright future,鈥 he said.
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