Minister Al-Fadhli: More than (200) million palm trees produce (9.7) million tons of dates annually, with exports worth (2.3) billion dollars around the world.
Minister Al-Fadhli: More than (200) million palm trees produce (9.7) million tons of dates annually, with exports worth (2.3) billion dollars around the world.
His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadhli, confirmed that palm cultivation occupies a prominent position, as the total area planted with palm trees is estimated at (1.5) million hectares, housing more than (200) million palm trees, producing (9.7) million tons annually. Most of the dates are in the Middle East and North Africa.
This came during His Excellency’s speech delivered today at the meeting of the third session of the Council of Members of the International Dates Council, which was held in the capital, Riyadh, with the participation and presence of a number of agricultural ministers and representatives of a number of countries producing and importing dates at the level of the Arab world and the world.
During his speech, His Excellency Engineer Al-Fadhli explained that exports of date production, produced by (40) countries around the world, amounted to (1.8) million tons of dates, worth (2.3) billion dollars.
His Excellency noted the Kingdom’s government’s support for the idea of establishing the International Dates Council and its hosting of the Council’s preliminary meeting in 2011, the 2013 meeting, and the Council’s preparatory meeting in 2019. It also sponsored the founding meeting in February 2021. In addition to assuming the center’s budget for a period of two years, renewable by (4) million dollars. In the year.
His Excellency stressed that the palm and date sector is of great economic, social and cultural importance. Dates are one of the most prominent agricultural crops. To achieve food security and sustainable agricultural development; Enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities, and providing job opportunities and sources of income, pointing out that the palm and date processing industries are one of the most important industries in the world. Which vary between food, feed, medical and cosmetic products, and building materials.
His Excellency pointed out that the palm and date sector faces a number of challenges, including climate change, the spread of diseases and pests, the low rate of consumption of dates globally, reaching 150 grams per person, high post-harvest losses, problems of competition and trade barriers, and weak diversification, quality and marketing. To overcome these challenges and maximize the benefits of this vital sector, the International Dates Council was established. To coordinate efforts and global cooperation; To support and develop its competitive capabilities.
At the conclusion of his statement, His Excellency Minister Al-Fadhli stated that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) adopted - in a proactive step - the Kingdom’s proposal regarding the adoption of an International Year of the Date Palm for the year 2027 AD. To raise awareness of the contribution of the palm and date sector to achieving sustainable rural agricultural development and food security, hoping that this meeting will contribute to the adoption of decisions that ensure solid governance of the Council and enable it to perform its role with high efficiency.
