The fine summer weather in the mountains of Taif signals not just the influx of tourists and holidaymakers, but also the harvest season for the fruit that has made the region famous. With its fertile soil and sweet water thousands of feet above sea level, Taif has for centuries been a prolific producer of pomegranates, figs, peaches, plums, quince and mulberries, and visitors today can still bask in the range of fragrances pervading the air of the lush valleys of Bani Malik, Thaqeef, Bani Saad, Thumalah, Liyyah, Al-Hada, Al-Shafa, Wadi Muharram and Bilad Quraish. The valleys in the south are responsible for half of Taif's fruit production due to the quality of soil and abundance of water, and around the town of Maisan the visitor's eye is struck by the dramatic steps of farm terracing, an agricultural design that preserves water by keeping consumption to a minimum. In Al-Shafa on the road to Taif passing through the parks of Shafa and Al-Hada Mountain, hundreds of stalls offer quality apricots and figs, while many farmers take their produce to market in local towns and even as far away as Makkah, Jeddah and Riyadh. Thamer Al-Duhaim, a holidaymaker from Riyadh, is a regular visitor to Taif with his family. “We come almost every summer to enjoy the beautiful greenery of the countryside,” Al-Duhaim said. Hassan Abul Khair from Makkah and Anas Filimban from Yanbu, come for the fruit. “The Taif fruit is delicious,” they said as they perused pomegranates at a stall. “We're going to take lots back with us to give to friends and family.” According to Taif representative of the Ministry of Agriculture Hamoud Al-Tuwairiqi, produce peaks at this time of year due to the increase in rainfall, while the ministry helps farmers by seeking to continually improve agricultural methods and quality of produce. “We provide them with fertilizers, and agricultural specialists help to teach the latest farming techniques,” Al-Tuwairiqi said. “The regional office also works to counter threats to the fruit, such as the red palm weevil.”
