Date Palm Cultivation: A Cornerstone of AlUla’s Economy

AlUla has been renowned for its date palm cultivation for centuries. Palm oases dot the valley, historically known as Wadi Al-Qura, and have been a significant part of the governorate's agriculture, trade, and economy. In the past, dates were traded for other goods and services. This practice has evolved over time, and today, AlUla's dates are a major export, contributing significantly to the governorate's economy. The AlUla oasis encompasses 3.116 million palm trees and is surrounded by numerous historical sites and freshwater springs, some of which still flow today. The oasis covers an area of approximately 16,579 hectares and produces 116,055 tons annually, standing as a testament to the succession of civilizations over millennia. To support date palm farmers, the National Center for Palms and Dates recently launched an agricultural subsidy program for date palms, providing direct and indirect financial support to small-scale farmers. The program also offers the Saudi Dates Mark free of charge, aiming t o improve production quality, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and ensure the sustainability of the date palm sector. Farmers can access this program through the following link: https://e-farmer.ncpd.gov.sa. Source: Saudi Press Agency