the kingdom has, however, stepped up fruit and vegetable production, by improving both agricultural techniques and the roads that link farmers with urban consumers. saudi arabia is a major exporter of fruits and vegetables to its neighbors. among its most productive crops are watermelon, grapes, citrus fruits, onions, squash and tomatoes. at jizan in the country's well-watered southwest, the al-hikmah research station is producing tropical fruits including pineapples, paw-paws, bananas, mangoes and guavas.