RIYADH: The Saudi Coffee Company Academy, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, recently conducted a six-day training program on “best agricultural practices” in Asir to enhance coffee cultivation in the Kingdom.

The program, held in Rijal Almaa governorate, targeted farmers in the Asir region, renowned for its long history of coffee cultivation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Asir offers an ideal environment for growing high-quality coffee, and the proof is in the more than 40,000 coffee trees planted at 300 farms.

The training equipped farmers with advanced skills in coffee cultivation and drying, under the guidance of international experts.

The program focused on improving productivity, promoting industry growth, ensuring the sustainability of coffee farms and enabling the exchange of knowledge among participants.

More than 1,000 farmers and enthusiasts took part in the program, which included theoretical and practical workshops.

Topics included coffee nursery management, field preparation, shade tree supervision, modern fertilization techniques and coffee variety displays.

Following the success of similar programs in Jazan and Baha, which benefited more than 450 farmers, the Asir program aimed to improve coffee cultivation in the southern regions, where the practice is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, SPA reported.

The academy, established to nurture sustainable growth in the coffee industry, offers training programs on cultivation, production, sensory evaluation, cafe management and entrepreneurship.

It seeks to provide a valuable educational experience that enhances participants’ technical capabilities and highlights the importance of knowledge-sharing in the coffee industry.

Participants earned accredited certifications, enhancing their marketability and contributing to the sector’s sustainable development.