Saudi Arabia has launched an initiative to increase high-quality coffee seedling production using tissue culture technology. The strategy is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to develop its coffee sector and promote sustainable agriculture.
Project Goal Is To Boost Coffee Productivity By 30% By Year End
The initiative is managed by the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Programme (Saudi Reef). The organisation works closely with the National Centre for Research and Development of Sustainable Agriculture also known as Estidamah. Notably, the project will plant 50,000 seedlings by the year end with the goal of boosting productivity of coffee trees by 30%. Notably, the initiative began with Saudi Reef selecting six elite genetic samples from coffee trees in Jazan, Asir and Baha. These were provided to labs, thereby producing 17,000 somatic embryos and 4,000 plants, which are now undergoing the rooting phase. Currently, 1,200 plants have been transferred to greenhouse facilities for acclimatisation and another 400 seedlings are in the hardening stage. A bioreactor growth accelerator speeds up production as well as automating and streamlining operations.
Importantly, the project has already yielded significant scientific breakthroughs, including the re-evaluation of 82 genetic patterns. Accordingly, they have been re-organised into 12 genetic groups based on morphological similarities. Furthermore, seedlings are being produced using cuttings of selected genotypes, with 1,000 rooted cuttings prepared to yield traceable, high-quality plants. A key focus is the development of disease-resistant and drought-tolerant coffee varieties, supporting the Kingdom’s goals for climate-resilient agriculture.
Ongoing Education And Support Being Provided To Coffee Farmers
In addition, 14 agricultural products have also been developed to promote best practices across the Kingdom`s coffee farms. Furthermore, the programme includes the development of a reference book for local farmers detailing cultivation and post-harvest practices. In order to support knowledge transfer, over 109 farmers have participated in domestic and international study tours. Moreover, more than 200 stakeholders recently received training through workshops and seminars. The programme has also engaged with global coffee events to promote Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the international market.
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