Al-Ahsa farmers celebrate start of date harvest season and its economic, social impact

The "Saram Al-Tamr" (date harvest) season has begun in Al-Ahsa Oasis, an annual event celebrated by farmers as one of the region’s most important agricultural traditions. The season is a primary source of income for many families and provides seasonal job opportunities for those involved in harvesting, sorting, and cleaning dates.

During the harvest, dates are sorted by quality, size, and color after a year of careful cultivation. This process is part of a comprehensive agricultural cycle that starts with care, irrigation, pollination, and pest control, and continues through to harvesting, packaging, storage, and marketing. The season also supports a range of economic activities that benefit farmers and workers across production and distribution chains.

Farmer Ahmed Ali Al-Humaid highlighted the importance of ongoing care for palm trees and drawing on accumulated agricultural expertise to improve crop quality. Dr. Nashi Khalid Al-Qahtani, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at King Faisal University, noted that the harvest season reflects the strong link between the nutritional, economic, and social dimensions of dates. He emphasized the need to develop farming, irrigation, and harvesting methods while preserving traditional agricultural knowledge.

Integrated scientific and developmental role

Al-Qahtani also explained that King Faisal University continues its scientific and developmental role by studying agricultural production challenges, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing the quality and safety of food products. These efforts help translate scientific knowledge into practical applications that meet the needs of farmers and the wider community.

The date palm sector is a model of integration between scientific research and agricultural practice, with sustainable production depending on efficient water and soil management, the development of modern farming techniques, and the use of farmers’ accumulated experience.

Growing economic and social significance

The value of dates extends beyond agriculture to include food processing, product development, logistics, and marketing, boosting the competitiveness of Saudi dates both locally and internationally. The harvest season offers an opportunity to study the relationship between agriculture, research, and development in Al-Ahsa, and is closely linked to issues of food security, sustainability, and economic development in the Kingdom.