BAHA: In the heart of Saudi Arabia's Baha region, a humble cactus is sparking an agricultural revolution. Black hair, known locally as Al-Barshumi, has blossomed from a niche culture into a burgeoning industry.
Once confined to private farms, the cultivation of fancy pears has stimulated scientific research and produced a wide range of food, medical and cosmetic products.
The fruit's triumph is evident in the vibrant tapestry of shades of green, yellow and red that now adorn Baha's mountains, terraces, valleys and plains – a spectacle amplified by the region's regular rainfall.
Fahd Al-Zahrani, director general of the Baha branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, spoke about the government's commitment to this agricultural revival.
“We have established a dedicated production line and oil press that benefits all regional farmers,” he said.
He also hinted at plans for a more comprehensive production line and the creation of an integrated pear city, developed in partnership with the region's Prickly Pear Association.
The architect of the initiative, Faeq Al-Ghamdi, recounted its humble beginnings. He said what started as 80 seedlings tangled in one farm has blossomed into a network of 26 cooperative farms, collectively producing 40-70 tonnes annually.
By 2021, the farms had more than 400 seedlings of premium varieties, including 'Gimoncaryo' and 'Marez'. This growth allowed for a diversification beyond simple fruit production, with a range of innovative products including juice, ice cream and soap.
Al-Ghamdi's original farm now has 3,000 seedlings, including imported varieties, with an annual yield of 3-5 tons.
“In just four years, we have developed 20 products, some already registered and others in various stages of registration and research,” he said, adding that several innovations, including a fragrance extract, are under development.
The project, known as the Al-Sarah Al-Barshumi Initiative, has also spawned seven scientific studies aimed at the sustainable development of the pear plant.
Al-Ghamdi's vision extends beyond cultivation to establish Baha as a regional leader in pear production, achieving domestic self-sufficiency and accessing export markets. The project is working on doubling the current area dedicated to cultivation, establishing model agricultural cities, creating a specialized processing industry and marketing 30 pear products.
“The cultivation process starts with what we call pads or stems,” he said. “These parts are carefully separated from the mother plant and we then expose these cuttings to sunlight for a period of seven to 10 days due to the high fluid content of the pads, allowing them to dry out and prepare for planting. Once cured, we carefully select the planting formation.”
Beyond its economic impact, the pear boom promises significant health benefits, according to Dr. Nadia Al-Zahrani, nutrition specialist at Al-Baha University.
“Black pears come in a spectrum of colors, ranging from green to red, with the red variety being especially the sweetest,” she said.
Noting their high fiber content, vitamins E, C and K, and various minerals, she said, “These components help manage weight and regulate blood sugar and lipid levels.”
Al-Zahrani said another use of the fig fruit was in skin care.
“Cactus' rich vitamin and mineral content plays a crucial role in improving the appearance and health of the skin,” she said.
A number of farmers in the region grow pears, capitalizing on the area's unique environmental assets, capitalizing on the region's fertile soil and abundant water resources.
They embraced modern cultivation techniques and began to introduce new varieties of fruit and trees, many of which were previously unknown in the region.
