Supervisory and guidance efforts to enhance the agricultural sector in Al-Ahsa
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote agricultural sustainability and ensure food safety, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Al-Ahsa Governorate revealed significant achievements made by the Integrated Farm and Organic Agriculture Guidance Center during the year 2025. Dr. Atiyah Al-Thaqafi, Director General of the Ministry's office in the governorate, praised the pivotal role played by the center in supporting farmers and beekeepers, and in applying the highest standards of quality and control to agricultural products, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve food security.
Pest control and treatment of visual distortion
One of the most significant challenges facing the agricultural sector in the oases is the neglect of farms, which can become breeding grounds for dangerous agricultural pests, such as the red palm weevil, thus threatening the region's agricultural wealth. In this context, the center conducted 76 intensive field visits to combat visual and environmental pollution, resulting in the identification of 139 neglected farms . The ministry is currently working to communicate with the owners of these farms to take the necessary corrective measures, whether by rehabilitating them or addressing the potential risks they pose to neighboring farms and the ecosystem as a whole.
Ensuring the quality of organic products and consumer safety
With the increasing demand for organic products, the center intensified its monitoring efforts to ensure that retailers adhere to approved standards. Thirty-two rigorous inspection tours at organic markets and stores to verify compliance and the validity of licenses. Simultaneously, another 32 rounds of sampling agricultural produce were carried out to test for pesticide residues, a step aimed at protecting consumer health and enhancing their confidence in local produce.
Supporting farmers and beekeepers and promoting sustainability
The center's efforts were not limited to oversight but extended to include technical and advisory support. Specialized teams conducted 463 advisory visits to farms, providing detailed technical consultations on modern irrigation methods, balanced fertilization, early pest diagnosis, and the implementation of integrated pest management programs. In the beekeeping sector, for which Al-Ahsa is renowned, 165 advisory visits to apiaries were recorded, focusing on assessing colony strength, diagnosing diseases, and providing the necessary guidance for producing high-quality honey. The center also contributed to supporting small farmers and productive families by processing 3,276 requests through the government's "Reef" platform.
Al-Ahsa: A historical agricultural oasis and a vision for the future
Al-Ahsa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a rich agricultural history spanning thousands of years, and its oasis is one of the largest palm oases in the world. These modern efforts build upon this great legacy, incorporating modern technologies and sustainable practices. In line with the Saudi Green Initiative , the center contributed to increasing vegetation cover by distributing more than 5,000 seedlings . The center also strengthened its educational and community role by organizing 35 training programs and workshops, and participating in nine major festivals, most notably the Al-Ahsa Dates Festival, thus underscoring the Ministry's integrated approach to achieving a comprehensive and sustainable agricultural renaissance in the region.
