Saudi Arabia launched a program to boost date exports which will help companies promote their products. Meanwhile, authorities approved holding agricultural exhibitions provided that they maintain the measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) for Agriculture, Engineer Ahmed bin Saleh al-Ayyadah held Monday a virtual meeting announcing the program to enable leading Saudi date companies to export their products to markets all over the world.
The virtual meeting was held in the presence of the CEO of the National Dates and Date Palms Center Mohammad bin Fahd al-Nuwairan, with the participation of the Saudi Exports Development Authority, Agricultural Development Fund and a number of dates producers and exporters, according to Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The program aims to enable major date companies to access the world markets, while exploring logistical and financial solutions for exporters. It also promotes e-commerce and undertakes marketing studies and campaigns to promote Saudi dates around the world.
Saudi Arabia has over 31 million date palms with annual production exceeding 1.5 million tons, making it the largest producer in the world as the Kingdom constitutes 17 percent of the world's annual production of 8.8 million tons.
Meanwhile, Madinah markets are preparing to receive early production of palm trees, which is the first season in the regions of Saudi Arabia.
Madinah is considered one of the prominent dates cultivation and trade areas in the Kingdom.
SPA indicated that various types of the dates are available in the market, as farmers begin their harvest of this season.
Initial prices of early harvested dates increased, however, farmers and experts expect the prices to drop as production increases during hot weather, which helps dates ripen faster.
Governor of al-Qassim region Prince Faisal bin Mishaal directed local authorities to hold the expo while maintaining health measures, noting that the region's high-quality agricultural products attract investments in national products.
Agricultural exhibitions support farmers to promote and market their products inside and outside the region, the governor said according to the statement.
Prince Faisal bin Mishaal noted that the government supports the agricultural sector which helps support and develop national agricultural production in the Kingdom.
