Date Palm Cultivation in Saudi Arabia: Current Status and Future Prospects for Development

Date palm possesses a distinguished position in many middle east countries, in general, and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in particular. In 2011, KSA ranks top of the world as regarding the number of date palm trees. Total number of palms in KSA exceeds 25 million palms, covers more than 170 thousand hectares (KSDA, 2011). Moreover, KSA ranks the second of the world as regarding the total production of date fruits as it produced 1122822 MT in 2011 (FAO, 2011). Date palm cultivation expanded very rapidly in Saudi Arabia during the last two decades. Total number of palms in KSA increased from 13 million trees in 1990 to more than 25 million palms in 2011 (the increment exceeded 92.3 %) (KSDA, 2011). In addition, the total production of date fruits increased from 530000 MT in 1990 to more than 1122822 MT in 2011 (the increment exceeded 111.6 %) (FAO, 2011). Moreover, the total area of date palm increased from 55000 ha in 1990 to more than 170000 ha in 2011 (the increment exceeded 218.1%) (KSDA, 2011). In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 400 date palm varieties, of which only about 40 varieties with an economic value, spread in 7 Saudi provinces characterized by fitting climate for the growth and fruiting of the date palm. Riyadh, Qassim, eastern province, and Medina are the most famous production areas in SA. Sukkary, Saquee, Ekhlass, Ajwa, Barhee, Anbara, Safawi, Rothana, Rashodya, and Khedry are the most economic well-known cultivars in SA.