RIYADH: Banana seedlings are increasingly being produced in the Kingdom which is proving both cost effective and sustainable, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The initiative has been spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. Several varieties are being produced in the Kingdom, particularly Jazan where the climate is conducive to their cultivation.
The ministry's center for plant tissue culture and biotechnology has cultivated high-quality, disease-free seedlings both in greenhouses and open fields. This achievement has significant implications for the agricultural sector, as it boosts sustainability and productivity, the SPA reported.
According to the ministry, localizing production attracts investors in tissue culture technology, which has significant economic benefits for the country.
There are cost savings of up to 25 percent with the current production of seedlings, compared to importing them.
In terms of general fruit production, the ministry plans to plant 45 million fruit trees on agricultural terraces and four million lemon trees using renewable water by 2030. These initiatives are part of the Saudi Green Initiative, which will be conducted in collaboration with private sector institutions and the Agricultural Development Fund.
The focus on local production will also ensure much less deterioration of fruit, compared to having varieties imported.
