Project Name
Date Palm Project

The potential benefits of this project from developing sustainable date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) production systems would substantially be at economic, social and environmental level. The economic benefits include increased production leading to increased access to productive assets, including natural resources. The training activities will increase the capacity of researchers, extension staff and farmers to apply their new knowledge and skills in their regular research, development and farm level activities leading to increased capacity for innovation in partner development organizations and in poor and vulnerable communities. The environmental benefits include better soil fertility through introduction and adoption of suitable varieties and recycling of date palm by-products. The adoption of pest resistant varieties and integrated pest management practices will reduce the application of pesticides minimizing environmental pollution resulting in healthier society. The adoption of integrated crop management practices will reduce the cost of production, while allowing the farmers to combat the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, 1790). The new knowledge and skills acquired by professional and technical staff of various stakeholders (research institutions, farmers) will help in adopting and applying new technologies generated and demonstrated in their regular activities to sustain the project achievements. Training of NARS researchers will equip them with knowledge and skills to develop date palm crop management technologies.