The International Dates Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh hosted a specialized panel titled "The Impact of Climate Change on Date Palm Cultivation," bringing together leading global experts in climate and agriculture. The session was organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates in cooperation with King Faisal University and the International Date Council, aiming to explore how climate change is affecting date palm farming and to propose innovative solutions to secure the sustainability of this vital sector.

Climate Challenges and Their Impact on Palm Farming

Participants discussed the mounting challenges facing date palm farmers, including:

  • Delayed fruit ripening caused by climate shifts.
  • Weak fruit set, affecting production quality.
  • The spread of agricultural pests and crop deterioration.
  • Environmental pollution threatening productivity and sustainability.

Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The session focused on scientific and practical solutions to address these challenges, most notably:

  1. Improving irrigation systems using smart technologies to reduce water consumption.
  2. Developing drought-resistant techniques to support date palm production.
  3. Using artificial intelligence in agriculture to improve outcomes and predict problems.
  4. Strengthening international cooperation to exchange expertise and support scientific research.
  5. Launching awareness initiatives for farmers to help them adapt to climate change sustainably.

Saudi Arabia Leads the World in Date Production and Exports

Saudi Arabia is a global leader in date production and exports, with output exceeding 1.9 million tons in 2023 and export revenues surpassing SAR 1.4 billion, reaching 119 countries. Export value has grown by 152.5% since 2016, reflecting the Kingdom's success in strengthening its global leadership in this sector.

Recommendations: Toward Sustainable Date Palm Farming

The session concluded with a number of key recommendations, including:

  • Strengthening scientific research to develop palm varieties resistant to harsh climate conditions.
  • Providing technical and awareness support to help farmers adapt to environmental change.
  • Increasing reliance on smart technologies to improve farming and production efficiency.
  • Launching initiatives to strengthen international cooperation in agricultural sustainability.

Date Farming: A Pillar of the Economy and Food Security

The dates sector forms a key part of the national economy and aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to strengthen food security and increase the agricultural sector's contribution to GDP.