The Jazan branch of the National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development (Estidamah) has expanded its field presence in highland coffee farms through targeted field visits to several farms, as well as a visit to the Coffee Cooperative Association in the region, with the aim of establishing an applied research partnership to advance this strategic crop and improve its productivity and quality.
The visits included a coordination meeting with the Association's representatives, during which both parties agreed on a package of research and applied programs to support the development of coffee cultivation. They also approved a mechanism for direct supervision of applied research trials in selected farms, aimed at facilitating the transfer of modern technologies and improving agricultural practices on the ground.
Eng. Awaji bin Haidar Abu Al-Ghaith, Director of Estidamah Jazan Branch, stated that the partnership will include the implementation of applied research trials across five coffee farms distributed among farms in the mountainous governorates—two farms in Al-Dayer, two in Fifa, and one in Al-Ardah. The implementation will begin with three farms as a first phase under an approved phased plan.
He added that the trials will focus on optimizing agricultural practices, improving resource-use efficiency, and applying modern technologies to enhance productivity, improve the quality of local coffee, increase farmers' economic returns, and strengthen the competitiveness of coffee in Jazan.
This initiative aligns with the Center's strategic plans to enhance the sustainability of coffee cultivation in mountainous areas, bridge scientific research with field application, and support farmers with advanced technical solutions—thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural development goals and supporting food security.