Riyadh: A modern agricultural initiative is taking shape in Damad Governorate, redefining miswak as a product that combines heritage and sustainability. A rural farm is transforming the arak tree from a natural resource once depleted by indiscriminate logging into a regulated agricultural project grounded in research and technology.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the initiative relies on cultivating arak seedlings using modern methods informed by agricultural studies and smart practices in water and soil management. The objective is to produce high-quality miswak sticks within a controlled farming environment that helps protect wild trees and curb encroachments that have threatened their natural distribution in some areas.
Blending heritage with innovation, the project extends beyond cultivation to product development, introducing natural flavors inspired by Jazan's local environment. Among the main additions is a jasmine flavor, reflecting the region's identity, alongside other botanical options that offer a contemporary experience while preserving the miswak's natural and health benefits.
The environmental dimension of the initiative is underscored by expanding organized arak cultivation, improving water-use efficiency through modern irrigation techniques, and supporting plant diversity and maintaining ecological balance in a region known for this tree.
From a health perspective, the project contributes to providing high-quality natural miswak sticks that promote oral hygiene, particularly among those fasting during Ramadan, at a time when demand is rising for trusted natural products that combine traditional medicinal value with modern quality standards.