Riyadh: The future of Saudi Arabia’s date sector is closely linked to wider adoption of modern agricultural technologies, mechanization and advanced irrigation systems that conserve water while maintaining production quality and volume, according to the CEO of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival.
Khaled Al-Naqidan, who is also secretary of the carnival’s higher committee, said farmers’ adoption of modern scientific palm-care practices had already helped boost productivity and improve the quality of dates, strengthening Qassim’s standing as a national model for palm cultivation and date production.
The Buraidah International Dates Carnival is showcasing Qassim’s growing importance as a major hub for palm cultivation and date production in Saudi Arabia.
The region accounts for around half of the Kingdom’s total date production, with about 11 million palm trees producing more than 580,000 tonnes annually, said Al-Naqidan.
The sector also contributes an estimated SR3.2 billion ($855 million) to Qassim’s economy each year and provides more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.
