Qassim Region continues to reinforce its position as one of the Kingdom’s leading agricultural regions, with grapes emerging as a promising crop that contributes to diversifying agricultural production and enhancing economic returns, supported by the region’s favorable natural conditions that promote the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Suitable soil and favorable climatic conditions have contributed to the successful cultivation of grapes and the production of high-quality fruit. Vineyards are concentrated across several governorates, making grapes one of the region’s leading fruit crops.
Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Qassim Region Eng. Salman Al-Suwaina said that Qassim is among the Kingdom’s leading grape-producing regions, with annual production reaching approximately 30,875 tons, supported by the region’s agricultural and environmental advantages that have contributed to the sector’s growth and development.
He noted that grape cultivation in the region extends across about 60 farms covering more than 1,021 hectares and includes nearly 1,286,460 fruit-bearing grapevines, reflecting Qassim’s prominent position in grape production.
He added that the ministry’s branch is working to support the expansion of grape cultivation and encourage investment in grape-related food processing industries to maximize the value of grape products and by-products, enhance value-added production, support opportunities for families working in the cottage industry, and increase the competitiveness of agricultural products in the market, in line with the objectives of sustainable agricultural development and Saudi Vision 2030.
Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), farmer Abdulrahman Al-Oufi said that grape cultivation on his farm spans more than 35 years. He noted that selecting suitable varieties and adopting modern agricultural practices have improved fruit quality and increased productivity despite the region’s climatic challenges.
Al-Oufi explained that grape harvesting is carried out manually by trained workers, with the fruit carefully packed and transported using methods that preserve its quality until it reaches consumers. He added that Qassim grapes are distinguished by their high quality and diverse varieties, which have increased demand for the local product and helped meet market needs.
Grapes are among the most promising crops in Qassim Region, contributing to the diversification of agricultural production, supporting the expansion of grape-related food industries, and advancing the Kingdom’s sustainable agricultural development objectives.
Source: Riyadh Daily