Jazans coffee bean production expected to reach 300 tons in 2020

JAZAN: The seventh Coffee Beans Festival starts on Jan. 30, amid expectations that more than 300 tons of coffee beans will be produced and enter the Saudi market by the end of 2020 due to increased production in the Jazan mountains.

“This year’s festival is completely different in terms of activities, with more focus on displaying the local products of Saudi coffee bean farmers,” Dr. Mefarah Al-Malki, director of the festival, told Arab News.

“There are new programs to turn the spotlight on the achievements of Saudi young men and women.”

Award-winning coffee farmer Hussain Hadi Al-Malki, from Al-Dayer governorate, said the Jazan region produced 250 tons of coffee beans last year, but this year production will reach 300 tons.

He added that Al-Dayer accounts for 80 percent of Jazan’s coffee bean production, and that the number of coffee farmers in the region has exceeded 700.

Coffee bean trees are planted and cultivated at an altitude of 800-2,000 meters above sea level. The higher the altitude, the greater the yield and quality.

Coffee bean trees need special care, and take up to five years from the time a seed is planted until production.

Hussain said coffee trees should be pruned properly, and their top branches should be cut off so the tree is not taller than 2 meters.

“Planting coffee trees in the Kingdom faces several challenges such as labor, water for irrigation and costs. There are no real capital investments in this field,” he told Arab News.

“Farmers need support from the time they grow coffee beans to the yield stage in order to cover associated expenses and costs.”