A Saudi national has succeeded in cultivating rice in the desert of Makkah under difficult climatic conditions and with modern materials. This experience of dry cultivation of rice crops in desert areas is the first of its kind in the world.
Agri culture engineer and researcher engineer Yusuf Bandaki while talking to al-Arabiya.net said that this is the first successful experiment of its kind not only in the country but in the whole world.
Engineer Yusuf Abdul Rahman Bandaqji, a researcher specializing in rice cultivation, modern agriculture, and its technology, said that the idea of agriculture came to his mind two years ago in Jeddah city when he was established under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. They had one form.
He explained that the farm is irrigated with sea water which is considered to be too salty. During this time I studied cultivated plants and water used for irrigation as well as climate and hot seasons.
He further said that my experiment on dry cultivation of rice crops is the first of its kind in the world. He said that the cultivation was done with modern eco-friendly organic material and irrigation systems five times a month. The experiment was conducted for five years and the crop was harvested every year.
He said the idea of rice cultivation came when it was suggested by the consultants of the research center, as the implementation of the idea had to rely on modern materials and expertise.
“I worked 12 hours a day in a rice farm to follow its cultivation and irrigation and to observe the results of field and laboratory experiments,” he continued. His farm area is 2 hectares and some smaller areas can be considered.
He added that rice is similar in appearance to wheat, but differs in properties and systems.
He said that we can grow rice throughout the year and in all seasons. I have three varieties of rice on the farm, including Indonesian black rice, Saudi Alroya white rice, and Al-Hasawi red rice.”
He indicated that he is working on implementing the experience of growing tourist tea in the suburbs of Makkah in the next few months.
