Al-Kharj’s Saffron Success Spurs Investment

Al-Kharj Governorate's Agricultural Experiment Station has reached a significant milestone in saffron cultivation. By utilizing a vertical farming system within a 20-square-meter protected environment, the station has successfully cultivated saffron, maximizing efficiency and boosting production. Each vertical unit, comprising five floors, houses 360 plants, each yielding an average of 6 to 7 flowers. The innovative approach has led to a remarkable increase in saffron production, with each unit producing over 11,000 flowers. The experiment station has also optimized saffron quality by controlling the cultivation environment. By maintaining a temperature range of 16-20 degrees Celsius and providing 7 hours of artificial light per day, the natural pigments of saffron are preserved. Additionally, careful harvesting and drying techniques further enhance the product's quality. The successful cultivation of saffron in Al-Kharj demonstrates the potential for sustainable agriculture in the Kingdom. The experiment station's commitment to testing various crops and optimizing cultivation techniques has paved the way for future investment in this promising sector. Source: Saudi Press Agency