Al Dhaid Date Festival Elevates Palm Cultivation With Sustainable Farming Innovations

The eighth edition of the "Al Dhaid Date Festival," organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), is currently underway at Expo Al Dhaid. This event has received high praise from participating farmers for its role in advancing agricultural practices.

The 2024 festival is notable for providing a crucial platform where farmers can learn about the latest agricultural technologies, sustainable farming methods, and organic products. These efforts aim to preserve palm trees and produce top-quality dates. Companies specialising in organic farming and agricultural machinery are actively participating, showcasing innovations that replace chemical fertilisers and pesticides with natural biological materials.

Farmers have been introduced to advanced equipment like multi-functional sprayers, soil tillers, fertiliser spreaders, and waste shredders. Experts from these companies are guiding farmers on improving soil fertility using organic materials. They stress the importance of creating a balanced farm ecosystem that includes microorganisms, soil microbes, animals, and plants.

Mohammed Saeed bin Ahmed Al-Tunaiji from Al-Washah Dates Farm highlighted the festival's significance as an annual gathering for palm farmers across the UAE. He noted that it offers a chance to explore sustainable farming techniques and continuous development methods for date palm farms. "Learning from other farmers' experiences helps balance high productivity with environmental preservation," he said.

Al-Tunaiji emphasised choosing suitable date varieties, adopting proper soil and water practices, and using eco-friendly pest control methods to protect soil and date palm roots. This approach ensures high-quality harvests while maintaining environmental health.

Networking Opportunities

Jasim Al-Yamahi, owner of Darkom Dates Farm, is attending the festival for the first time. He expressed his enthusiasm for gaining insights from various activities and networking with other farmers across the UAE. "Exchanging experiences and knowledge is crucial," he stated.

Al-Yamahi also pointed out the importance of exploring advanced agricultural techniques and organic fertilisers showcased by specialised companies at the festival. This exchange of knowledge helps farmers adopt better practices for their farms.

Benefits for Young Farmers

The owner of Barshoud Farm also participated in the festival for the first time. He highlighted how young farmers benefit from learning about sustainable agricultural principles that conserve water resources and protect palm trees year-round through modern irrigation techniques. These methods have significantly reduced water consumption while ensuring efficient water delivery to palm roots.

He added that sustainable agriculture supports palm cultivation by lowering production costs and guaranteeing premium date varieties' harvests. This approach benefits Emirati farmers by making their operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The 8th edition of the Dhaid Dates Festival concludes tomorrow evening. It stands out as a significant agricultural and economic event aimed at promoting palm cultivation in the region.

With inputs from WAM