Alfadley Praises International Date Council For Supporting 11% Growth In Saudi Arabia's Date Production

Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, commended the International Date Council's efforts in fostering collaboration among date-producing nations. He highlighted the council's role in supporting the palm and date sector to ensure its sustainability and contribution to food security. This was part of his address at the fourth session of the Council of Members Meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia.

The meeting brought together high-ranking officials, country delegations, and representatives from relevant organisations. They reviewed the outcomes of previous decisions and assessed progress on executive programs. Alfadley stressed the economic, social, and environmental importance of the palm and dates sector in achieving sustainable agricultural development.

The International Date Council includes members from countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Tunisia, Sudan, Mauritania, Yemen, Oman, Palestine, Somalia, Lebanon, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Qatar. The council aims to enhance global cooperation to improve production processes and marketing strategies within the palm and dates sector.

Alfadley noted that over the past five years, there has been an 11% increase in total date production. He attributed this growth to strengthened partnerships between date-producing countries facilitated by the International Date Council. The council also supports research studies focused on palm and dates.

The council is committed to advancing agricultural practices by linking them with sectors like manufacturing and trade. This approach aims to boost productivity while ensuring sustainable practices are maintained. Alfadley highlighted that these efforts contribute significantly to rural development.

One of the council's primary objectives is establishing a global platform for accurate data on the palm and dates sector worldwide. This initiative is crucial for developing innovative by-products that can enhance the sector's value.

Supporting Research and Development

The council places a strong emphasis on supporting scientific research and innovative agricultural practices. By doing so, it aims to raise income levels for those working in the dates industry while contributing to sustainable food security.

Alfadley highlighted Saudi Arabia's ongoing support for the council's work since its inception. The Kingdom has been instrumental in backing various programs aimed at achieving these objectives.

The International Date Council continues to play a vital role in promoting international cooperation among date-producing countries. Its initiatives focus on improving production methods while supporting scientific research to ensure long-term sustainability within the sector.

With inputs from SPA