المملكة: 50 enemies are lurking in the treasures of palm trees.. “FAO” warns of pests that threaten the wealth of dates
The organization confirmed in a recent report that these pests vary in severity from mild, which causes limited damage, to severe, which may lead to crop damage and a decline in production.
Dr. Hamid Al-Shuwaikan
The report pointed out the need to combat other pests, such as the midge insect, which feeds on palm leaves, the dust spider, which causes the leaves to dry and fall, and the greater date worm, which feeds on date fruits and causes their damage.
The FAO called on countries to intensify their efforts to combat these pests, by implementing monitoring and integrated pest management programmes, and raising awareness of the importance of following sound agricultural practices and using pesticides in a safe and effective manner.
For his part, the specialist in dates and member of the Saudi Society for Heritage Preservation, Dr. Hamed Al-Shuwaikan, “Dates represent a cultural heritage and a cultural symbol of the Kingdom, and are the focus of our interest in the Saudi Society for Heritage Preservation.”
He added: “We are proud of the Kingdom’s global leadership in producing and exporting dates, thanks to the unlimited support of our wise leadership, the efforts of loyal farmers, and the adoption of the latest technologies in this vital sector.”
Cooperation to confront date threats
Al-Shuwaikan called for cooperation among all concerned parties to confront the challenges that threaten date palms, and to preserve this important food wealth for future generations.”
He said that the Kingdom is the first exporter of dates in the world and one of the largest producers of dates in the world, specifying three reasons for this distinction: the Saudi climate with characteristics that make the soil suitable for growing palm trees and producing high-quality dates, in addition to its use of the latest technologies in growing, harvesting and packing dates, which guarantees their quality and safety.
Great support for the date industry
He stressed that the palm tree and dates in the Kingdom receive great support from the Saudi government, making it the first in the world in terms of value. According to data from the National Center for Palm and Dates, there are 37 million palm trees, producing 1.9 million tons, with an export value of 1.4 billion riyals. It is also the most productive type of dates. In the Kingdom, it is Al-Khalas with more than 609 thousand tons annually, then the yellow sugar comes second with 394 thousand tons, then Al-Barni Al-Madinah with 124 thousand tons, and Al-Barhi comes fourth with production. 103 thousand tons annually.
Al-Shuwaikan said that dates in the Kingdom are considered its treasure and are its most important fruits. They are not just food, but rather an integral part of Saudi heritage and culture. Saudi dates are distinguished by their high quality and multiple types, which has made them a strategic product for the country, and their importance lies in achieving food security for the Kingdom.
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