The popular Citrus Festival was launched here Monday by Prince Misha'l Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Najran. Najran is the country's number one citrus fruit producer, producing 45 percent of overall production because of its fertile land and agreeable climate. Najran also has the largest gardening research center in the Middle East and the largest reservoir of water in the Empty Quarter desert. In winter, the Vegetable and Fruit Market of Najran has various types of citrus fruit. Other crops are also grown throughout the year. Ali Al-Jaleel, Director General of the Research and Gardening Development Center, said the center plays a key role in the agricultural sphere. It helps farmers set up and administer farms, provides information on farming in winter and studies various viral and bacterial diseases. He praised the government for its support of the center. Saleh Bataj, Head of the Agricultural Extension in Najran, said 5,000 hectares of farms produce various fruit including oranges, lemons and mandarin. In addition, other types of citrus crops are produced through cross-breeding with lemon and orange trees. He said blood oranges are the most exquisite cross-breed and has a sweet, deep orange flavor, with a hint of raspberry. Ali Aal Al-Harith, the owner of a farm, said there were lots of citizens who buy Najrani oranges directly from the farms. He said he has good harvests every year because of the water and fertile soil. He sells much of his produce outside the region. Farmers and experts in Najran make sure that the produce is not affected by frost and the extreme winter. Najran also produces mango, figs, cucumbers, tomatoes, pepper, okra, potatoes, green beans, carrots, onions, mint, parsley and lettuce.
