The cultivation of date palms and their fruits is a multifaceted endeavour marked by both challenges and rewards. Dates are esteemed for their delectable taste and nutritional benefits, thriving in regions with warm, arid climates across the Sultanate of Oman.
With over a hundred distinct varieties of date, cultivation encompasses a diverse array of flavours, textures and appearances.
The Sultanate of Oman, with its hot and arid climate, provides ideal conditions for date palm cultivation. The region has a rich history of date cultivation dating back thousands of years, with techniques passed down through generations.
The Wilayat of Dima W’attayeen in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate boasts a unique landscape. Its mountainous terrain and abundant water sources make the area ideal for growing some of the most prized date palms.
The date harvest season, known as Al Qaidh, has begun in Dima W’attayeen. This time is crucial for locals as it brings financial benefits. The farmers focus on caring for palm trees, especially the valuable Al Naghal variety, essential for local and global date markets. The first batch of dates usually sells at high prices, adding to the season’s importance.
Mohammed bin Nasser al Busafi, a prominent date trader in the wilayat, explained, “In our region, the Al Naghal palm trees are typically pollinated in November due to the warm weather and mountainous terrain. This makes it the only palm tree to be pollinated earlier in the Al Qaidh season.”
He explained, “Residents highly value the Al Naghal variety for its abundant and valuable fruit yield.”
Al Busafi noted that it takes around three months for Al Naghal to yield its early dates, making its prized golden fruits ready for harvesting by early April.
Residents in the wilayat gather their dates from their farms and convene at designated assembly points within each village for selling. Groups of date sellers then disperse to various villages equipped with gram-weighing scales to purchase dates directly from farmers. Subsequently, these traders sell the dates in both local markets and those in the Gulf region.
Concerning the pricing dynamics of Al Naghal dates, Al Busafi shared that they command a high price at the onset of the harvest season. Initially, individual dates fetch as much as RO 5, gradually decreasing to RO 1 for a bundle of 2-3 dates within four days. Subsequently, traders adopt a pricing scheme of RO 150 per kilogramme for three days. As the season progresses and dates flood in from various villages across the wilayat, the price decreases, the 4 kilogrammes of dates reach approximately RO 40. Towards the conclusion of the Al Naghal season, the 4 kilogrammes are only worth RO 3 rials.
Dima W’attayeen has grown in popularity in the Gulf region for its early production of Al Naghal dates. Traders venture across borders to market these prized dates, drawing interest from neighbouring countries like the UAE and Qatar, where demand for early summer dates remains strong annually. Despite the demanding nature of the trade, dealing in dates proves exceedingly lucrative.
An immersive cultural experience
Date harvest season offers an immersive cultural experience for tourists due to its blend of tradition, community involvement and culinary delights.
As the season reaches its peak, typically in late summer or early fall depending on the region, the sight of lush date palm groves bustling with activity becomes a spectacle to behold.
At this time, locals and visitors alike gather to witness the meticulous process of harvesting these succulent fruits. From climbing the palm trees to skilfully picking the ripest dates, every step in the harvest is steeped in age-old techniques passed down through generations.
Moreover, the ambience is often infused with lively festivities, sometimes including traditional performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage surrounding date cultivation.
Experiencing the harvest at its peak ensures one encounters the fullest array of activities and flavours, with markets brimming with freshly harvested dates in various shapes, sizes and flavours. The sensory feast of tasting freshly plucked dates, indulging in date-based delicacies and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere makes the peak of the season an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the cultural tapestry woven around this ancient fruit.
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