Riyadh ( WNAM MONITORING): The National Center for Palms and Dates has launched the early date harvest season campaign, coinciding with the start of the first fresh harvest in Saudi Arabia.
The initiative highlights the seasonal calendar of early and mid-season dates across regions, supports marketing, enhances economic value, and increases contribution to the national economy.
It aims to meet growing demand for local dates during the early season, connect markets with available varieties, and support agricultural tourism, boosting market value and related economic activity.
Ahmed Al-Ayada, the center’s acting director general, said the campaign raises awareness of harvest timings and regions, promotes Saudi date varieties, and encourages local consumption in support of farmers and trade.
The early date season runs from late May to September across Riyadh, Al-Ahsa, Madinah, Qassim, Al-Kharj, Qatif, Hail, and Jouf, with key varieties including sukkari, sagai, ruthana, barhi, and khalas.
Meanwhile, markets in Najran are seeing increased activity with the arrival of early harvests, supporting farmers and meeting local demand.
It coincides with ongoing technical support from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to improve production efficiency, enhance crop quality, and combat pests.
The harvest is generating economic benefits for retailers, traders, and workers in packaging and transport, while also creating seasonal employment opportunities.
