Amman: The "Marhaba Watermelon" project has continued to establish itself as a successful agricultural initiative for the eighth consecutive year, contributing to agricultural production and supporting the local economy in the Marhaba area of Koura district, west of Irbid Governorate.
According to Jordan News Agency, since its launch in 2018 to breathe new life into traditional rain-fed watermelon cultivation, the initiative has blossomed into a beloved seasonal destination. The turning point came in 2020 with the introduction of vibrant yellow watermelons, a bold agricultural pivot that captured the public imagination and turned a local farming venture into a kingdom-wide phenomenon.
Project owner and farmer Mohammad Khraisat stated that the initiative has injected vibrant economic energy into the Koura district, creating a thriving ripple effect for local commerce. He noted that Marhaba watermelons now enjoy robust distribution across the northern and central governorates.
Khraisat mentioned that the project's success is rooted in its reliance on natural farming methods, noting that the watermelons are grown without chemical fertilizers, growth hormones or artificial additives. He added that the yellow variety now stands toe-to-toe with traditional red melons in production, sales, and consumer demand.
In a nostalgic nod to local history, the project has also successfully revived the iconic large-seeded watermelon variety first grown in the area back in the 1970s, bridging generations of farming heritage. Visitors wandering the fields echoed this sentiment, sharing that the journey from different parts of Jordan was well worth it for a taste of the farm-fresh produce. Shoppers enthusiastically praised the melons' exceptional sweetness, expressing appreciation for the project's commitment to natural cultivation practices.