BAHA: In the heart of Saudi Arabia's Baha region, a cactus is sparking an agricultural revolution. Known locally as al-barshoumi, the cactus has grown from a niche plant into a burgeoning industry.
Cactus cultivation, once limited to private farms, has spurred scientific research and produced a wide range of food, medical and cosmetic products.
The fruit's triumph is evident in the vibrant green, yellow and red canvases that adorn the mountains, terraces, valleys and plains of today's Baja, a sight made all the more beautiful by the region's steady rains.
Fahad Al-Zahrani, Director-General of the Baha'a Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, spoke about the government's commitment to the revival of the agricultural sector.
“We have set up special production lines and oil presses to benefit farmers in all regions,” he said.
He also mentioned plans for a more comprehensive production line and the creation of an integrated cactus city, which would be developed in conjunction with the region's cactus association.
The project's architect, Faaq Al-Ghamdi, recounts the project's humble beginnings. He says it started with 80 intertwined seedlings on a single farm and has grown into a network of 26 cooperative farms that produce 40-70 tons of seedlings per year.
By 2021, the farms had more than 400 premium seedlings, including “Gimoncaryo” and “Marez.” This growth has led to the expansion beyond just fruit production, with a range of innovative products including prickly pear juice, ice cream and soap.
Al-Ghamdi's original farm currently has 3,000 seedlings, including imported varieties, yielding 3-5 tons per year.
“In just four years, we have developed 20 products, some of which are already registered and some of which are in the registration and research stages,” he said, adding that more innovations are in the pipeline, including perfume extracts.
The project, known as the Al-Sarah Al-Barshumi initiative, also led to seven scientific studies aimed at the sustainable development of cacti.
Al-Ghamdi's vision extends beyond cultivation to establish Baha as a regional leader in cactus production, achieve domestic self-sufficiency and expand export markets. The project is working to double the planting area, create a model agro-city, create a specialized processing industry and market 30 cactus products.
“The cultivation process begins with what we call a sheet or stem,” he said. “These parts are carefully separated from the mother plant. Then we dry these cuttings in the sun for seven to 10 days. Because the sheet contains a lot of liquid, it dries and prepares them for planting. Once cured, we carefully select the planting pattern.”
In addition to its economic impact, the cactus trend also has significant health benefits, says Dr. Nadia Al-Zahrani, a nutrition expert at Al Baha University.
“Pears come in a variety of colors, from green to red, with red being the sweetest,” she said.
When she noticed that it was rich in fiber, vitamins E, C and K, and minerals, she said, “These ingredients help control weight and blood sugar levels.”
Another use of the cactus fruit is for skin care, says Al-Zahrani.
“The abundance of vitamins and minerals found in cacti play a key role in enhancing the appearance and health of the skin,” she says.
A number of farmers in the region grow cacti, taking advantage of the area's unique environmental resources, using the region's fertile soil and abundant water sources.
They introduced modern farming techniques and introduced new varieties of fruits and trees, many of which were previously unknown in the region.
