Over four decades ago, the Jizan Mountainous Areas Development and Reconstruction Authority initiated the establishment of the Agricultural Experiment Station aimed at cultivating crops well-suited to the local climate while aiming for economic viability. This included the launch of the "Propagation of Agricultural Crops Using Plant Tissue Culture" program, focusing on producing disease-free plants with desirable traits through the replication of matching plants. The Authority's efforts have been crucial in the sustainable development of the region's mountainous areas, establishing strategic partnerships across government and private sectors to stimulate economic growth and improve living standards.
Through the development of infrastructure, enhancement of social and educational services, promotion of human development, and the encouragement of rural, cultural, and recreational tourism, the region's authenticity has been preserved. As a result, the Jizan region, characterized by its mountainous landscape, fertile plains, and water abundance, has emerged as a key agricultural area within the Kingdom. It now spans 700 square kilometers of agricultural land, accounting for 7% of the Kingdom's total agricultural areas, and produces over 30 different fruit types. The Authority's nurseries contribute significantly to this diversity, offering seedlings of various fruits including guava, figs, pomegranates, mangoes, bananas, jackfruits, dragon fruits, papayas, lemons, and cocoa.
Source: spa.gov.sa