Saudi farmer invests in stevia to promote healthier food production

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Hamad Mansour Al-Abbas a proffessional farmer with over 35 years of experience in the field of agriculture. (SPA)
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A Saudi farmer dedicated 2000 square meters of his huge farm to grow stevia in Najran. (SPA)
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A Saudi farmer dedicated 2000 square meters of his huge farm to grow stevia in Najran. (SPA)
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Updated 20 January 2023
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Saudi farmer invests in stevia to promote healthier food production

  • Hamad Mansour Al-Abbas provides alternative to sugar
  • Najran’s fertile soil ideal for fast-growing, hardy plant

JEDDAH: Many regions in the Kingdom have rich, fertile soil suitable for cultivating a variety of crops, including stevia which has been considered a natural and healthy alternative to sugar according to the European Food Safety Authority.

Hamad Mansour Al-Abbas, a Saudi farmer from Najran city in the southwestern region, with over 35 years of experience, has set aside 2,000 square meters of his 100,000-square-meter farm to grow stevia because of its health benefits.

Al-Abbas told Arab News: “It is known that the stevia plant is a herb that stays in the soil for up to seven years and is characterized by its very high sweetness. It is an alternative to sugar for those who follow a regular or keto diet or suffer from diabetes. As an admirer of natural alternatives and organic agriculture, I chose this plant because the soil fertility in Najran is high and can grow any crop.”




Hamad Mansour Al-Abbas a proffessional farmer with over 35 years of experience in the field of agriculture. (SPA)

Stevia leaves contain natural compounds and are as sweet as traditional sugar. The plant also has considerable nutritional and therapeutic properties, is safer than artificial sweeteners, with fewer calories, and several vitamins and minerals.

Al-Abbas was able to grow 15,000 stevia plants, aiming to introduce new herbal plants and trees into the local environment for marketing and distribution inside and outside the region.

Stevia is planted in rows, spaced out at five centimeters, and can be harvested and processed every three months, which helps to provide a large amount in one year.

“The plant grows within 30 days, after that it goes through three phases including harvesting, drying away from direct sunlight, then grinding through a machine. Once it is turned into a loose green powder, it is then packed into six packs of two grams each.”

The natural sweetener is then wrapped and distributed to markets in Najran. “My farm produces 5,000 packs of pure stevia loose powder per month, and I am currently studying the idea of establishing a factory so I can distribute it throughout the Kingdom as a healthy and natural product.”




A Saudi farmer dedicated 2000 square meters of his huge farm to grow stevia in Najran. (SPA)

Natural green powder

The difference between the natural stevia that Al-Abbas offers and others in many stores, is that his produce is a real natural sweetener in the form of green powder made only from dried leaves. Most store-bought stevia comes in the form of white powder, which has been through a water-extraction method, is semi-processed and up to 300 times sweeter than sugar.

The greenish powder helps to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and can be used as a natural sweetener with tea and warm drinks. Al-Abbas also offers it in a white powder similar to regular sugar, which is the extract of the stevia plant with a higher concentration. He also produces organic soap made of stevia extract that is beneficial for the skin.

Apart from stevia, Al-Abbas grows a variety of vegetables, herbs and strawberries, and his farm’s rich soil — in the moderate climate, with adequate water — is ideal for organic agriculture.




A Saudi farmer dedicated 2000 square meters of his huge farm to grow stevia in Najran, (SPA)

Al-Abbas said the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has held many workshops on his farm for trainees and specialists. He thanked the ministry for the support, which has included fertilizers, seeds and advice.

“I would like to mention that I have grown many crops during my life as a professional farmer, and I am very happy to see many new crops prospering in the region, such as pomegranates and coffee — especially that it is being cultivated with Saudi hands, where Saudis are supervising their farms and looking after it by themselves.”

He said the ministry continues to support all types of agriculture in Najran, including rare plants, assists with streamlining supply chains, and provides training and regulatory oversight. It also helps farmers move to safer, organic farming practices without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, or genetically modified materials, that could be harmful to consumers and the environment.


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Updated 04 November 2024
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Updated 04 November 2024
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.