Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has reached 111% self-sufficiency in fig production, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. Annual output now exceeds 28,000 tons, cultivated across approximately 1,421 hectares in diverse regions of the Kingdom.

This milestone is part of the national “Harvest Season” campaign, which aims to raise awareness of local agricultural products and promote seasonal fruit consumption.

Regional Distribution of Fig Production

Jazan leads fig production with 9,906 tons annually, followed by Riyadh with 8,010 tons and Asir with 3,970 tons. Other contributing regions include Makkah, Hail, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha, Qassim, Najran, Tabuk, Madinah, and the Northern Borders. The fig harvesting season extends from February to November, reflecting its importance as a resilient and widely grown crop.

The ministry noted that Saudi Arabia produces multiple fig varieties, such as Madini, Brown Turkey, Baladi, Wazeri, Kadota, and White King. These varieties offer health benefits ranging from blood pressure regulation to improved skin and bone health.

Fig Sector Development Under Harvest Season Campaign

The Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program is working to enhance fig cultivation through targeted manufacturing, marketing, and regional specialization. By leveraging each region’s comparative advantages and agricultural capabilities, the ministry seeks to increase efficiency and value chain performance.

The “Harvest Season” campaign also supports farmer livelihoods by boosting fruit market access and improving the visibility of Saudi-grown produce. It promotes sustainable consumption, public health, and economic resilience in rural communities.

 

The Saudi Standard’s View: Figs as Strategy, Not Just Supply

Saudi Arabia’s achievement in fig self-sufficiency reflects more than output—it signals an agricultural policy shift that connects food production to broader goals of health, sustainability, and economic resilience. Through initiatives like the “Harvest Season” campaign, the Kingdom reframes seasonal fruits from simple commodities to strategic assets.

Promoting figs supports local farming, reduces import reliance, and delivers tangible health benefits to the public. This convergence of nutrition, policy, and rural development demonstrates how agriculture can be both a social good and a strategic tool.

In this context, figs aren’t just food—they’re forward planning.