Jazan:Corn farmers in the Jazan Region have started plowing their fields, cutting furrows, and sowing corn seeds with the arrival of October. These activities signal the beginning of the "Al-Makhrat" season, a key period in the local agricultural calendar, repeated annually to maintain the farmers' connection to their land and uphold the transmission of agricultural knowledge through generations.
According to Saudi Press Agency, agricultural researcher Mohammed Abu Aqeel detailed the local agricultural calendar, noting that the "Al-Khareef" season begins on August 23, followed by the "Mazarat Al-Makhrat" season, which runs from October 11 to 26. Some farmers, however, commence sowing at the start of October. He also highlighted the "Saudat" season beginning on December 31 and the "Al-Shabb" season occurring in summer in the mountainous areas. These varied seasons showcase the diverse agricultural environments of the region, including plains, valleys, and mountains.
Before sowing, farmers prepare their fields by observing rainfall and floodwater flow. This preparation includes clearing shrubs and weeds and repairing "uqoom," which are earthen barriers designed to capture floodwater and channel it into fields via irrigation channels.
Farmers in Jazan are committed to passing down their agricultural expertise to their children, continuing a tradition inherited from previous generations. From a young age, children join their fathers in the fields, learning farming practices until tending to the land becomes ingrained in their lives.
In late December and early January, the people of Jazan anticipate the "Khadeer" stage, during which corn ears are harvested while still green for traditional dishes that have been preserved through generations. This agricultural heritage continues to thrive in the lives of farmers and on the tables of local families.