Production Technology of Date Palm:

• Origin and Importance:
• Originates from countries around the Persian Gulf.
• Nutritive fruit rich in sugar and iron.
• Climatic and Soil Requirements:
• Ideal for areas with long hot summers and mild temperatures during flowering (February to April) and fruit ripening (May to August).
• Temperature Range: 25-29°C during fruit ripening.
• Soil Preference: Deep sandy loam, tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Better water holding capacity and good drainage are desirable.
• Cultivars:
• Classified as early, mid, and late cultivars.
• Halawy: Early variety with small, yellow fruits at maturity.
• Khadrawy: Small to medium-sized fruits, light yellow at maturity.
• Barhee: Mid to slightly late season cultivar with small to medium-sized, yellow fruits.
• Zahidi: Mid-season cultivar, tolerant to rain and humidity.
• Medjool: Late cultivar with large, broad, oblong-ovate fruits.
• Propagation and Planting:
• Propagation by seeds has a long juvenile phase (7-8 years for flowering).
• Vegetative propagation through off-shoots is preferred for uniformity.
• Planting Spacing: Varies from 4M – 9M, typically 6M to 8M.
• Irrigation, Manuring, and Interculture:
• Light and frequent irrigations immediately after planting.
• Date palm is drought-tolerant and highly tolerant to saline water.
• Fertilization: 50 kg of FYM, 600 g N, 100 g P, and 700 g K per palm.
• Leaf pruning is done during June for better ventilation of bunches.
• Pollination and Fruitset:
• Hand pollination is practiced.
• Fruit thinning is necessary to retain optimal fruit numbers per palm.
• Spraying ethephon @ 200 ppm 10 – 30 days after fruitset enhances thinning, ripening, and sugar content.
• Harvest, Yield, and Processing:
• Harvest at 'doka stage' during June – August.
• Post-harvest processing includes dipping in boiling water and dehydration to produce 'Chhuhara'.
• Plant Protection:
• Control of termites, rhinoceros beetle, red palm weevil, black headed caterpillar, and false smut.
• Techniques include dusting BHC 10%, injecting Monocrotophos, and predator release.

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