Baha: In the heart of Saudi Arabia's Baha region, a humble cactus is sparking an agricultural revolution. The prickly pear, known locally as Al-Barsoomi, has gone from a niche crop to a growing industry.
Once confined to private farms, prickly pear cultivation has spurred scientific research and produced an array of food, medical and cosmetic products.
The fruit's triumph is evident in the vibrant tapestry of greens, yellows and reds that now adorn the hills, terraces, valleys and plains of Bakha – a scene enhanced by the region's regular rains.
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 renaissance.
“We have set up a dedicated production line and oil press to benefit all farmers in the region,” he said.
He also hinted at plans to build a more comprehensive production line and integrated prickly pear city developed in partnership with the region's Prickly Pear Association.
The initiative's architect, Feq al-Ghamdi, recounted its humble beginnings. He said that what started with 80 stitch plants in a single farm has flourished in a network of 26 cooperative farms and collectively produce 40-70 tons annually.
By 2021, the farms had more than 400 plants of premium varieties including “Gimoncaryo” and “Marez”. This growth has enabled diversification beyond simple fruit production, with a range of innovative products including prickly pear juice, ice cream and soap.
Al-Ghamdi's original farm now has 3,000 plants, including imported varieties, with an annual output of 3-5 tons.
“In four years, we have developed 20 products, some of which are already registered and others are in various stages of registration and research,” he added, adding that more innovations, including perfume extracts, are in the pipeline.
The project, known as the Al-Sarah Al-Barsoumi Initiative, has also spawned seven scientific studies for the sustainable development of prickly pear plants.
Al-Ghamdi's vision extends beyond cultivation to establish Baha as a regional leader in prickly pear production, achieve domestic self-sufficiency and tap into export markets. The project aims to double the current area devoted to cultivation, establish model agricultural towns, establish specialized processing industries and market 30 prickly pear products.
“The cultivation process starts with the pad or stalk,” he said. “These parts are carefully separated from the mother plant and then we expose these cuttings to sunlight for a period of seven to 10 days due to the high fluidity in the pads, allowing them to dry and prepare for planting. Once cured, we carefully select the planting structure.
Al-Baha University nutritionist Dr. Beyond its economic impact, the prickly pear boom promises significant health benefits, according to Nadia Al-Zahrani.
“Prickly pears come in a spectrum of colors from green to red, with the red variety being the sweetest,” she said.
Noting the rich content of fiber, vitamins E, C, and K, and various minerals, she said: “These components contribute to weight management and regulation of blood sugar and lipid levels.”
Al-Zahrani said another use of prickly pear fruit is in skin care.
“Cactus' abundant vitamin and mineral content plays an important role in improving the appearance and health of the skin,” she said.
Taking advantage of the region's fertile soil and abundant water resources, many farmers in the region are cultivating prickly pear, taking advantage of the region's unique environmental assets.
They have embraced modern farming techniques and started introducing new varieties of fruits and trees, many of which were previously unknown in the region.
