Shorter storage period benefits date farmers

More than 800 tons of dates have been consumed nationwide during Ramadan so far, according to the chairman of the Agricultural Cooperative Association in Madinah Humoud bin Olaitha Al-Harbi.
The country does not export dates in the third ripening stage known as rutab, which occurs before the sun dries the fruit, because they are most popular during Ramadan.
Produce currently in the markets is from last year; this year’s produce will be available after the middle of Ramadan, Al-Harbi told Arriyad newspaper.
The fact production this year coincides with Ramadan will save farmers money in terms of storage costs.
He said: “It will make it possible for them to sell their produce fresh; they will not have to refrigerate and store it while waiting for Ramadan as is usually the case.”
Al-Harbi believes prices are still reasonable despite the fact they have increased.
He added: “The famous rutab varieties include Ruthana, Rabia, Sukkari and Helwa.”
Date markets in Madinah, which attracts up to 10 million pilgrims and visitors throughout the year, are the main sellers of dates produced in the Kingdom.
About 65 percent of dates are sold in Madinah and the governorate is giving special attention to these markets, he added.
Palm trees in the Kingdom number more than 23 million.
They produce more than 1 million tons, of which Madinah produces about 150,000, making the province the fourth highest producer in the Kingdom.
Statistics show Gulf countries have imported 46 percent of total Saudi date exports this year; 36.7 percent went to other Arab countries, 6.8 percent to other Islamic countries, while 11 percent went to other countries.