Global Experts Address Climate Change Effects On Date Palm Cultivation At International Conference

During the second day of the fifth International Dates Conference and Exhibition at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, a panel discussion focused on climate change's impact on date palm cultivation. Organised by the National Center for Palms and Dates (NCPD) with King Faisal University, the session was moderated by the International Dates Council. Experts from around the world participated, discussing challenges and solutions for sustainable farming.

The panel highlighted significant issues affecting date palm farming due to climate change. These included delayed fruit maturation, reduced yields, pest infestations, and environmental pollution impacts. Participants stressed that international cooperation is essential to develop innovative solutions to these problems. The session aimed to raise awareness and offer practical recommendations for sustainable farming practices.

Experts reviewed global best practices to tackle climate change in agriculture. They discussed improving irrigation systems and adopting smart agricultural techniques as crucial strategies. Emphasising farmer education and technical support, they aimed to mitigate global warming effects on crops. The session underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to protect this vital crop.

Several recommendations emerged from the discussion to ensure sustainable date palm cultivation. Enhancing international collaboration for knowledge exchange was a key focus. Supporting scientific research to develop climate-resistant varieties was also highlighted. Additionally, launching awareness initiatives was deemed necessary to promote agricultural sustainability among farmers.

A report by the NCPD revealed that Saudi Arabia led global date production and export in 2023. According to UN Comtrade data, Saudi Arabia exported dates worth over SAR 1.4 billion to 119 countries by year-end 2023. The Saudi General Authority for Statistics reported production exceeding 1.9 million tons, marking a 152.5% increase in export value since 2016.

This significant growth secured Saudi Arabia's position as the world's largest date exporter. The Kingdom's success in this sector reflects its commitment to advancing agricultural practices and addressing climate-related challenges effectively.

With inputs from SPA