The strategic goal of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes its pursuit for food security, economic diversification from oil and gas and developing the agricultural sector to increase food production through modern technology. The main initiatives include sustainable development and expansion of fruit and vegetables production by utilizing recent technologies and to reduce imports. For fruits, besides dates, which are traditionally grown, tropical and subtropical fruits have been introduced and tested in different locations of the Kingdom to determine the agroclimatic suitability of the fruit types. While there are challenges related to extremely hot summers, water availability and quality, Saudi Arabia has succeeded in expanding the introduction and cultivation of tropical fruits, such as mango, citrus and papaya since the 1980’s to diversify fruit production.
Currently there are more than 60 mango varieties that have been introduced from the US, India, Pakistan and parts of Asia, indicating that mango remains the most popular tropical fruit, with other fruit types grown commercially that include papaya and citrus.
A project on ‘Enhancing the production of Mango and Other Tropical Fruits to Address Demand and Market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’ is an example of the many efforts undertaken to improve the tropical fruit situation in the Kingdom. The project is a collaboration of King Faisal University and International Tropical Fruit Network (TFNet). The initiative which began in 2023 with an assessment of the tropical fruit situation has provided strategic directions on the means to develop the sector, amid current challenges. The recommendations include the use of best cultivars, best field practices including planting systems, canopy management, pest and disease and postharvest management. Training sessions and farm visits were held for these purposes. Besides improving the currently grown mango varieties, it was also proposed that new commercially viable cultivars be introduced to improve productivity and quality, at the same time augmenting germplasm availability. Moreover, the project complements the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiative, which aims at integrating environmental protection, energy transition and innovative sustainability programs thar aims for a green future, that is being implemented in the Kingdom.
Through the project, mango varieties that have been introduced include Irwin and popular Southeast Asian varieties such as Nam Dok Mai, Chok Anan and Yuwen. Other tropical fruit trees that have been introduced include jackfruit, sapote, guava, passionfruit, wax apple and dragon fruit. The fruit types introduced are varieties known for their high yields, quality and market potential.
The introduced seedlings are being established at the Jazan National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (ESTIDAMAH) in a demonstration plot highlighting technologies such as high-density planting and best field practices. The plot also serves as a propagation source for mango and tropical fruits seedlings that may be distributed to other suitable locations in the country. In addition, it also serves as an observation plot to study the effect of shade on plant growth performance and the efficient use and management of water resources. Another area with similar focus is the National Organic Agriculture Center (NOAC) at Onaizah, Qassim, where demonstration plots with selected tropical and subtropical fruits will be introduced and observed for their adaptability. The commercial fruit types proposed at NOAC include mango, guava, passionfruit, fig, pomegranate, grape, apricot and pear.
While challenges such as water availability, climate disruptions, economic viability, agroclimatic suitability, labor availability and knowledge dissemination issues may diminish efforts to improve the sector, the project sets the platform for future upscaling and developing a viable and competitive sector.
According to the Project Coordinator from the Institute of Studies and Consultations, King Faisal’s University, this project serves as an initiative to enhance the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s effort in developing the tropical fruit sector to being viable that can ultimately reduce imports and achieve food security. Project consultants from International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) have been instrumental in providing technical guidelines and recommendations in their efforts to assist in achieving tangible reality in being self-sufficient in tropical fruit in the coming future. With the project scheduled to end in December 2025, the project consultants from TFNet have expressed confidence in the attainment of its goals, with the continued commitment of King Faisal University and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture executing their essential roles.
