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Date picking season starts

DUBAI — Date harvesting season has begun across the country, with agricultural authorities expecting an improvement in production from the country’s more than 40 million date palm trees.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has opened its date storage centres in different parts of the country to receive the date fruits from farmers.

Commenting on the harvest season, Saeed Mohammad Al Raghabani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, said: “The aim of the farmers is to produce the biggest and best amount possible of crops to be easily marketed with high profits.”

He assured farmers that they would be able to make good profit as long as they follow the directions of the ministry in planting, use of fertiliser and harvesting methods, in addition to their long time experience in this field. He added that the ministry will do everything possible to ensure the quality of harvesting, sorting, packaging and transporting is taken care of to achieve the desired profit.

Meanwhile, a date palm expert at the ministry has urged farmers to keep their harvest crop safe from contamination so that the product can reach consumers while it is still in good condition which can satisfy customers.

He added that the procedures of harvesting, drying, sorting and packaging are as important as planting, feeding, fertilising and post-harvest prevention.

The UAE has several species of palm trees, the expert said, adding that some varieties are ready for early harvest, while others take a bit longer. He said the harvest season is very short and should happen when dates are in the “Rotab” state, which needs lots of care.