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JEDDAH: Qassim region is abuzz as the early date harvest begins, yielding more than 50 varieties and filling local markets, reaffirming the region’s role as a major center for date cultivation and marketing in the Kingdom.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Qassim contributes more than 390,000 tonnes annually to Saudi Arabia’s total date production.

This output strengthens its leadership in food security and boosts Saudi agricultural exports, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

With more than 11 million palm trees, Qassim produces popular varieties such as sukari, barhi, saggi, ajwa, khalas, mabroom, safawi and anbari.

This abundance supports local food security and supplies dates to more than 100 countries worldwide, the SPA added.

Date farmer Abdulaziz Al-Baridi praised the support farmers receive from the ministry branch in Qassim, including education on irrigation techniques and pest control, and preparation of markets for date trade.

As the harvest gains momentum, preparations are underway for the Buraidah Dates Festival. It is expected to boost economic activity, raise nutritional awareness, and strengthen market links between farmers and consumers.

The festival aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by promoting agricultural sustainability and diversifying the economy.

JEDDAH: The Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, highlighted the importance of supporting small livestock farmers across Saudi Arabia to boost productivity and investment.

The program reviewed last year’s efforts in digital management of intensive livestock farms, including the first implementation of the Saudi Smart Flock system, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Majed Al-Buraikan, Reef Saudi spokesperson, said the Saudi Smart Flock is a digital system that uses smart technology, including facial recognition, to manage both traditional and intensive livestock farms. It is the first of its kind to be applied to small ruminants and has been tested on six small farms.

Al-Buraikan said that the system, which identifies animals by their facial features, also monitors productivity, provides health updates, and manages animal records through its platform. It reduces losses, improves quality, and supports decision-making with accurate data.

The small livestock sector is a key focus of Saudi Reef, aiming to increase productivity, raise farmers’ income, improve livelihoods, and develop traditional production systems while supporting food security.