RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s pomegranate sector continues to grow, with more than 1.3 million productive trees yielding over 39,700 tons of fruit annually to meet rising consumer demand during the summer season.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, pomegranates have become one of the Kingdom’s promising agricultural crops, contributing to local food production and supporting the agricultural economy.

As part of its “Sweet in Season” campaign, the ministry highlighted that pomegranate cultivation is concentrated in Asir, Makkah, Tabuk, Qassim, and Al-Baha, while other regions also contribute to overall production at varying levels.

The initiative is designed to raise awareness of Saudi Arabia’s seasonal fruits, encourage consumers to choose locally grown produce, improve product quality and safety standards, and strengthen the marketing of domestic harvests. These efforts are intended to support farmers while enhancing their financial returns.

The ministry also noted that Saudi Arabia produces several well-known pomegranate varieties that are well adapted to local growing conditions, including Taif, Hijazi, Wonderful, and Eversweet.

Beyond fresh consumption, locally grown pomegranates are widely used in juices, desserts, and ice cream, reflecting their growing popularity in the domestic market.

To support the sector, the ministry continues to provide farmers with agricultural guidance, technical assistance, financing solutions, and access to modern farming technologies. It is also working to improve supply and distribution networks through seasonal initiatives and local exhibitions, helping Saudi-grown produce reach consumers more efficiently.