The Agricultural Research Station in the Northern Highlands organized a field day for the Field Grape Farmers School in the Bani Hashish Directorate.

Thursday, 11 Rabi' al-Akhir 1445 AH, corresponding to October 26, 2023.

Today, in the Al-Faras area of Bani Hashish Directorate in Sana'a Governorate, a field day was held to demonstrate the results of applying integrated technology packages to improve grape productivity and quality using the methodology of field farmer schools.

The integrated technology package included improving soil properties, fruit cultivation operations, integrated pest management to prevent diseases and pests that affect grape trees and fruits, as well as regulating irrigation to reduce excessive water depletion and avoid fungal diseases and decreased quality due to excessive irrigation.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Alfi, the Head of the General Authority for Agricultural Research and Extension, emphasized that the goal of the grape field schools is to address the problems of fungal and insect diseases, which have caused significant losses to farmers and become a source of concern for grape farmers over the years. The results of this intervention have been positive, as farmers in the region have observed and witnessed the positive outcomes and the crop's safety from diseases.

Al-Alfi stressed the importance of providing financial and technical resources to sustain the methodology of field farmer schools through collaboration between agricultural research, agricultural extension, and community participation. This collaboration plays a significant role in changing misconceptions, adopting proper and economical practices, and serving the grape crop to improve production, quality, and economic returns.

Eng. Ahmed Al-Jalal, the Director-General of the Regional Station for the Northern Highlands, explained that the field farmer schools were implemented based on the recommendation of a field study that identified certain incorrect practices affecting the productivity and quality of the grape crop.

The researchers, Eng. Hazem Al-Ashwal, the Technical Director at the Regional Station for the Northern Highlands, and Dr. Rafiq Al-Shar'i, a plant protection researcher, discussed the interventions carried out with the farmers. The interventions focused on integrated pest management, particularly against powdery mildew and downy mildew diseases, as well as organizing the use of pesticides and fertilizers according to recommended schedules and quantities.

The farmers from the local area expressed their happiness with this successful experience, which provides them with valuable guidance in cultivating their crops.