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RIYADH: In the mountains and plains of Asir, agriculture transcended mere seasonal activity, it was a comprehensive culture embodying cooperation and solidarity, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

For generations, inhabitants devised unique methods to preserve their grain crops, including wheat, corn and barley, using ingenious techniques that accounted for the harsh climate and kept food fresh for extended periods.

Researcher Ghithan Jrais said farmers in each village contributed a portion of their harvest, known as a tithe, which was allocated to the community’s finances and stored in meticulously constructed silos that functioned similarly to modern grain storage facilities.

Designed to protect grain from heat, humidity and insects, the silos were secured with multiple locks that required the presence of all chosen trustees to open, safeguarding public funds.

The stored tithes were used for social and cooperative purposes, such as helping those in need, paying off debts and honoring guests — a true embodiment of the communal spirit.

In heritage villages like Al-Yanfa, southeast of Abha, the legacy remains visible. Centuries ago, villagers carved underground silos more than 2 meters deep, creating natural grain containers that preserved crops for years.

Field accounts confirm that the village was self-sufficient due to this system, which ensured it was ready for emergencies.

A notable feature of Al-Yanfa’s “community house” is a large room beneath the main council chamber containing seven major silos, managed transparently by villagers to meet local needs, especially during drought.

In the Tihama region of Asir, particularly in the Ahad Tharban mountain, silos were adapted to the local environment. There, small stone structures built atop solid igneous rocks were used to store corn, barley and sesame.

The structures featured tightly sealed doors and lacked windows, ensuring a dry, preserved environment for centuries.

These ancient methods represent a rich cultural heritage embodying human ingenuity and adaptation. Whether underground or on mountaintops, these silos were more than storage facilities, they were powerful symbols of social solidarity and sustainable food security.