ASIR: Farmers from throughout the Asir region have gathered to showcase their finest produce at the third edition of the Grape and Seasonal Fruits Festival. The four-day event was opened by Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Asir region and chairman of the Asir Development Authority, in the presence of the head of the Mawain Center, the director general of the regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and other visitors. Thirty-five farmers will be showing their produce — grapes, pomegranates, peaches, plums, figs, chicks, berries, and strawberries — at the festival, an event that aims to support local growers, promote the region as a center for agricultural excellence, and encourage tourism and economic opportunities. This year’s festival coincides with the Abha Summer Festival which brings diverse economic returns to most sectors and offers a wide range of investment and job opportunities. The festivals and events are organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to encourage Saudi farmers, promote their products, and improve agricultural production, quality, and the competitiveness of Saudi products and markets. Saad bin Abdullah Musalli, a farmer, said his farms produced several varieties of grapes such as Italian, French, and black razqis. “The farms produce more than 15 tons of fruit that is marketed annually at the grape festival and in local markets and shops, in addition to many other seasonal fruit products such as peaches, figs, pomegranates, pears, apples, and apricots,” he added. Musalli noted that the products provide him with sufficient income to allow him to grow different crops throughout the year. There are more than 500 grape farms in the Asir region producing in excess of 1,000 tons of the fruit annually.