The cultivation of frankincense trees in Najran Region is opening new horizons for diversifying agricultural investment, driven by the economic value of this natural product and its wide range of applications in the fragrance and cosmetics industries. It also offers opportunities to develop production, processing, and marketing chains, making better use of botanical resources and supporting the sustainability of agricultural activities in the region.
The significance of this experience lies in the potential to transform the cultivation of natural gum-producing trees into an economic activity integrating planting, harvesting, processing, and packaging, ultimately producing value-added finished goods. This comes amid growing interest in plant-based materials used in perfumes, incense, and cosmetics.
Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Najran Murih Al-Shahrani noted that frankincense cultivation represents a promising field for exploring opportunities to expand the cultivation of trees with economic and environmental value. This would help diversify the agricultural production base, enhance environmental sustainability, and explore new production models suited to the region’s natural characteristics.
He emphasized the importance of conducting scientific studies on trials involving the cultivation of these trees, taking into account climatic conditions, soil characteristics, water requirements, and the suitability of agricultural sites, stressing the need to evaluate field trial results to identify optimal practices that support tree growth and sustainable production.
Frankincense cultivation in Najran reflects a broader trend toward exploring crops and trees with added value that can diversify agricultural income streams and introduce new economic drivers to the region. This approach builds on the region’s comparative advantages, supports the development of processing industries linked to plant-based products, and promotes the use of its natural assets to create sustainable investment opportunities.
Source: Riyadh Daily