Qassim's Date Harvest Boosts Local Markets and Food Security
The Qassim region of Saudi Arabia is a key center for date cultivation, contributing significantly to the nation's food security and agricultural exports.
JEDDAH: The early date harvest in the Qassim region has commenced, resulting in an abundance of over 50 varieties that are now filling local markets.
This development underscores Qassim's pivotal role as a major hub for date production and marketing within Saudi Arabia.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Qassim annually contributes more than 390,000 tonnes to the country's total date output, thereby solidifying its position in ensuring food security and enhancing Saudi agricultural exports.The region boasts over 11 million palm trees, which produce popular date varieties such as sukari, barhi, saggi, ajwa, khalas, mabroom, safawi, and anbari.
This substantial harvest not only supports local food security but also supplies dates to more than 100 countries worldwide.Date farmer Abdulaziz Al-Baridi commended the support provided by the Qassim branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, highlighting the significance of education on irrigation techniques, pest control measures, and market preparation for date trade.
As the harvest continues to gain momentum, preparations are underway for the Buraidah Dates Festival.
This event is expected to stimulate economic activity, promote nutritional awareness, and strengthen the connections between farmers and consumers.The festival aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by emphasizing agricultural sustainability and diversifying the economy through initiatives that bolster the nation's food production capabilities.
This development underscores Qassim's pivotal role as a major hub for date production and marketing within Saudi Arabia.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Qassim annually contributes more than 390,000 tonnes to the country's total date output, thereby solidifying its position in ensuring food security and enhancing Saudi agricultural exports.The region boasts over 11 million palm trees, which produce popular date varieties such as sukari, barhi, saggi, ajwa, khalas, mabroom, safawi, and anbari.
This substantial harvest not only supports local food security but also supplies dates to more than 100 countries worldwide.Date farmer Abdulaziz Al-Baridi commended the support provided by the Qassim branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, highlighting the significance of education on irrigation techniques, pest control measures, and market preparation for date trade.
As the harvest continues to gain momentum, preparations are underway for the Buraidah Dates Festival.
This event is expected to stimulate economic activity, promote nutritional awareness, and strengthen the connections between farmers and consumers.The festival aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by emphasizing agricultural sustainability and diversifying the economy through initiatives that bolster the nation's food production capabilities.
