Riyadh: In a scene that evokes features of the past and reflects the deep connection between people and the land, traditional ox plowing continues in the highlands of the Hashr Mountains in Jazan Region as one of the oldest agricultural practices still maintained by local farmers despite advances in modern farming technologies. At dawn, farmers begin their day carrying wooden plows and guiding pairs of oxen harnessed to traditional farming tools. The oxen move steadily across the fields, gently turning and aerating the soil in preparation for cultivation.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the process is repeated several times in different directions to ensure the land is properly prepared for planting. Farmers in the region say their continued reliance on ox plowing is not due to limited resources, but rather their belief in the method's effectiveness in improving soil quality and bringing blessing to production. They also regard it as an essential part of their agricultural heritage and a reflection of the cultural identity and uniqueness of the region.
The Hashr Mountains remain a living example of the continuity of this traditional agricultural practice, which combines simplicity with deep cultural symbolism and reflects the enduring bond between local communities and their ancestral land, as well as their pride in inherited heritage across generations.