23 September 2008
Tunis — Thanks to improved storage and processing conditions, this season's date harvest is expected to yield a record production. The harvest is expected to start mid October.
In Kebili, a region known for the quantity and variety of its dates, first estimates announce a record production of 78,000 tons of the golden fruit, including 64,000 tons of the famous "Deglet Ennour" a variety, which is particularly prized in Tunisia and throughout the world, due to its nutrient qualities and succulent taste.
This year's production represents a 23 percent increase in comparison with last year.
The increase can be explained thanks to a series of measures taken to improve both the quality and the yield, by preserving the fruit from its natural enemies.
Some 8, 5 million bunches of dates have been covered with mosquito protecting plastic bags, and 17 million others were inoculated against various pests affecting the fruit.
Storage and processing units have also increased to reach 150 in Kebili alone.
Specialists note that during the first half of September, 59,650 tons of "Deglet Ennour" -from all date producing regions of Tunisia- were exported abroad for a turnover of 183,250 million dinars.
With its 2, 3 million date palm trees, Kebili produces about 65% of Tunisia's national dates production.
The production of dates in Tunisia amounts to some 80,000 tons per year on average, however, due to exceptional weather conditions and improved processing units, this year is expected to be an exceptional year. Most of Tunisia's date production comes from Kebili and Tozeur.
Dating back to 4000 years ago, dates have always been much appreciated in the North Africa Middle East region, and especially during the Holy month of Ramadan, when many fasting Muslims break their fast on a date or two before their meals.
Mentioned by sacred texts in the Old Testament and the Koran, dates have also been celebrated by poets.
Nowadays, the world is discovering the nutrient qualities of the fruit.
Rich in carbohydrates, minerals and vitamin A, dates are also free from cholesterol. Date palms play an important role in the ecology of arid and desert lands. The micro climate generated under its cover is favorable for undergrowth production in a range of crops.
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