ISHS Acta Horticulturae 736: III International Date Palm Conference
DATE PALM ECONOMIES AND CULTIVATION CIRCUMSTANCES IN PALESTINE |
| Author: | I. Daiq |
| Keywords: | marketing infrastructure, Medjoul |
| Abstract:
The study aimed to highlight the de facto situation of the date palm industry in Palestine and to improve the circumstances. Change is required from providing good quality and variety of seedlings to ensuring a suitable marketing infrastructure to promote date production both locally and abroad. In this context, the study dealt with the high economic feasibility of date palm cultivation and its impact on the Palestinian economy with reference to the experience of the Palestinian farmers. The study indicated that the two geographic locations with ideal climate and environmental conditions are the Jordan Valley and Gaza Strip. The advantages and characteristics of the date palm variety Medjoul are described, as well as the experience of PARC and other organizations in resuming the cultivation of date palm and caring for its various issues. The study exposes the problems and constraints that face this cultivation, such as the continued Israeli control of fundamental resources (land, water, market and borders), which is causing high production, transportation and marketing costs. Marketing infrastructure and services are fragile and weak, and there are limited official support policies for date palm cultivation and for the agriculture sector generally. This study revealed good potential for cultivating Medjoul in the Jordan Valley, due to its suitable climate and environmental conditions and the existence of the necessary production inputs. Furthermore, date palm is able to withstand high temperatures and does not need huge amounts of water. The study concluded with a number of practical recommendations to overcome the aforementioned obstacles, especially those relating to farmer’s performance, who must abide by quality criteria and standards. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
