Saudi Arabia Boosts Date Production by 11%, Strengthens Global Sustainability Efforts

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s date production has grown by 11% in the past five years, showcasing the nation’s commitment to advancing the global palm and dates sector. The Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, highlighted this achievement during the fourth session of the International Date Council meeting in Riyadh.

International Date Council: A Key Player in Sustainability

Eng. Alfadley, who also serves as Chairman of the Council, praised the International Date Council for fostering partnerships among date-producing countries. He emphasized its pivotal role in supporting sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, and improving rural livelihoods.

The meeting brought together high-level officials, delegations from member nations, and representatives from various organizations. Participants discussed progress on decisions from previous sessions and reviewed ongoing executive programs.

Palm and Dates: Economic, Social, and Environmental Impact

In his address, Alfadley outlined the vital contributions of the palm and dates sector. He stressed its role in:

• Supporting food security.
• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Driving rural development.

The Minister also noted that the International Date Council has been instrumental in:

• Strengthening partnerships among member countries.
• Advancing research in palm and dates.
• Connecting the sector to manufacturing, marketing, and trade for greater value.

Saudi Arabia’s Leadership in the Dates Industry

Saudi Arabia has been a steadfast supporter of the Council since its inception. Alfadley highlighted the Kingdom’s role in establishing a global platform to provide accurate data on the dates industry and promoting innovative by-products to enhance its value.

About the International Date Council

The International Date Council includes members from 15 countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Tunisia, and Egypt. Its mission is to foster global cooperation to:

• Improve production, manufacturing, and marketing of dates.
• Advance scientific research and sustainable farming.
• Boost the income of workers in the dates industry.

These efforts contribute to rural development, sustainable food security, and the overall growth of the palm and dates sector worldwide.