Dates Farming: Best Beginners Guide 2023

Date farming is an agricultural method that entails growing and harvesting dates, which are the fruits of the date palm tree. Date farming is an important industry in Nigeria and Africa, with great export potential due to rising global demand. Nigeria is one of Africa’s top producers of dates. Date farming in Nigeria provides for over 70% of total West African date production. In this post, we will go through dates farming in-depth and show you how to get started.

What Are Dates?

Dates are a sweet fruit that grows on date palm trees and is scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera. They have a distinct chewy feel and are often used in cooking as well as as a natural sweetener. Dates are high in nutrients and provide a variety of health advantages, including improved digestion and brain function.

What is Dates Farming Business In Nigeria About?

Date farming is a type of agriculture in which date palms are grown for the production of dates. Date palms are primarily planted in arid places and flourish in hot, dry climates. This Date palm agriculture has been done for hundreds of years and has been a major source of food and revenue for many African communities, including Nigeria.

Dates are a highly nourishing food that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, according to research. In addition to being a nutritious supplement, dates can also be utilized as a means of transportation.

The yield of dates farming in Nigeria and Africa varies based on climate, soil type, and irrigation. Date palms, on the other hand, can produce up to 100kg of dates per tree each year with correct care and maintenance. This means that a well-managed dates farm with a big number of date palms can produce a significant amount of dates for both domestic and export consumption.

Advantages of Dates Farming

Commercial dates farming is a simple enterprise with numerous perks and advantages. Because date palm trees require less care, starting this business is simple.

You can establish commercial dates farming business to make good money. Even if you are a novice, you can start this business. Here we will briefly describe the top benefits of the commercial date farming company:

It is a fairly ancient business concept, and many individuals are already involved in it.
It is quite simple to care for date palm trees. As a result, you can profit from this chance.
In both domestic and foreign markets, the demand for and price of the product is high.
Date palm trees can be found practically anywhere.
If you are an educated unemployed person, commercial dates farming may be a good business concept for you. It can also be a fantastic source of employment.
The production costs in this industry are generally low, and the returns are favorable.
Because of their high demand and value in the market, dates are relatively easy to market. As a result, you will be able to sell your products readily on the local market.
Dates provide numerous health advantages when consumed frequently. You can also enjoy fresh dates if you grow them yourself.

Health Benefits of Dates

Dates are an excellent source of a variety of critical elements, particularly potassium. They also include the following benefits:

Dates are high in antioxidants, which assist to protect your body from potentially damaging free radicals.
Dates may help lower LDL cholesterol levels: According to research, dates may help lower LDL cholesterol levels in the body.
Dates are high in potassium, which has been proven to promote cognitive performance and brain health.
May help lower blood pressure: Dates are high in potassium and magnesium, both of which can help lower blood pressure.
Dates include various anti-inflammatory chemicals that may aid in the reduction of inflammation in the body.
Dates are a good source of calcium, which is vital for bone health.

Types Of Dates In Nigeria

Dates Farming Business in Nigeria and Africa employs a variety of dates. Among the most regularly planted cultivars are:

#1. Barhee

The Barhee (also known as Barhi) is a date variety with a high yield. The trees are medium in height and have a large trunk. Fruit stalks are long, broad, and hefty. The fruit is cylindrical in shape and pale amber to dark brown in color. Ripe apples have substantial flesh and a strong flavor. A tree produces 6 to 20 bunches of dates, each weighing between 8 and 15 kg.

#2. Deglet Noor

The Deglet Noor variety’s fruits are rectangular in shape, light and dark brown in color, and have large seeds. Fruits are semi-hard and chewy in texture.

#3. Halawi

The Halawi date palm is resistant to dampness. The tree bears medium-sized fruits with a caramel-honey flavor.

#4. Khastawi

The fruits have a syrupy flavor and are modest in size. The trees may grow in desert environments. The fruits are humidity resistant, and the trees are often huge and vigorous.

#5. Kimia

Kimia is a well-known date variety. It melts in the tongue and contains health-promoting effects. Diabetic individuals can enjoy the fruits as well. The fruits are dark, creamy, and delectable.

#6. Medjool

Another widespread and popular dates variety is the Medjool. The trees begin to bear fruit after five years. Each tree produces about 10 kilograms of fruit in the early years and about 80 kg in the tenth year. The fruits are often enormous in size, soft in texture, and flavorful. These fruits are beneficial to diabetics because they are sugar-free and high in other necessary elements.

#7. Sagai

The hue of the fruits varies and might range from medium brown to extremely light brown. The fruits are wrinkled but without flakes, and the flavor is milky. It is in high demand on the market.

#8. Zahdi

One of the oldest date types is the Zahdi. Fruits are medium in size, cylindrical in shape, and light brown in color. The trees have large trunks and grow quickly. This is a heavy-bearing variety with a low tolerance for excessive humidity.

How to Start Dates Farming

It is quite simple to begin both commercial and small-scale dates farming. Date palm trees demand less attention in general. As a result, even if you are a novice, you will be able to quickly start and run this firm. Date palm trees grow well in practically all types of locations where full sun is available. And practically any sort of soil is suitable for date farming.

#1. Select a Good Location

First and foremost, you must choose an excellent location for your dates farming venture. It is preferable if the chosen soil becomes rich and well-drained after being exposed to full sun.

Date palm trees can flourish in a variety of soil types and can withstand salinity. A pH range of 8 to 11 is considered optimal for soil.

Sandy loamy soil with good moisture retention, aeration, and a sufficient drainage system is ideal for plant growth and increased fruit production. However, dates should not be grown on soils high in calcium carbonate.

#2. Prepare the Soil

Before planting the date palm plants, you must thoroughly prepare the soil. Date palm plants demand deep loam soils that are well-drained.

The chosen terrain should be capable of retaining moisture. These trees can be cultivated in low-yielding salty or alkaline soils as well. While preparing the soil, add an appropriate amount of organic materials or farmyard manure.

Chemical fertilizers like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are also significant. Chemical fertilizers should be applied at regular intervals, with the dosage decreasing as the plants age.

#3. Climate Requirement For Date Farming

Long summer days, high temperatures, and moderate winters without frost are ideal climatic conditions for dates farming. All of these environmental factors contribute to optimal growth, flowering, and fruiting.

The typical minimum temperature for plant development and survival is around 20°C. A temperature of around 35°C is also required for pollination.

Date palm trees can withstand frigid winters with no frost and only a little rain. During flowering and fruit setting, low relative humidity, no rain, and hot temperatures with warm nights are essential.

#4. Best Time For Dates Cultivation

Date palm plants can be planted at any time of year. However, the months of July to September are said to be the optimum for growing date palm palms. When you’ve decided on the optimal time, you can move on to selecting a date range. The types described above are for reference only.

#5. Purchase Seeds/Off-Shoots

Most date growers dislike seed propagation because it results in poor fruit quality, with more than half of the fruits being male-free.

In date, palm farming, offshoots from the parent tree’s base are used for propagation. In the nursery, seeds from the best types are sown in plastic bags. During the monsoon season, you must also transfer the young plants to the main field.

#6. Seeds/Off-Shoots Per Hectare

The precise amount of seed required depends on the variety and planting method. Date palm trees are perennial in nature and can live for up to 50 years if not more.

For dates farming, the square planting method is used, with a spacing of 8 meters between rows to ensure optimal intercultural activities and development.

The plant density for commercial dates farming is roughly 160 plants per hectare of land. Because dates are dioecious fruits, around 10% of these must be male offshoots to provide sufficient pollen grains.

#7. Planting

You can buy young seedlings and plant them directly in the prepared ground. Commercial dates farming employs the square planting method. Because dates are dioecious fruits, it is critical to plant both male and female offshoots to ensure a sufficient supply of pollen grains.

Plants that are male About 3 to 5% of the female plants on the farm are planted at equal distances. Pits should be dug at an 8 X 8-meter spacing for commercial dates cultivation.

#8. Caring

Taking extra precautions is essential in the commercial dates farming operation. Date palm plants, on the other hand, require less attention. It is quite simple to care for date palm trees. It can be cared for by fertilizer, watering, mulching, weed control, pruning, pollination, and thinning. Also, keep an eye out for pests and diseases.

#9. Harvesting

After 6 to 7 years of growth, the date trees will be ready to bear fruit. After 6 to 7 years of planting, you can expect to produce fruits. However, the total yield will be lower in the early phases.

Dates are consumed at various stages depending on the type. As a result, harvesting is determined by local demand.

#10. Yield

The exact yield is difficult to predict because it is dependent on a number of factors. However, with proper growing circumstances and farming procedures, each tree can produce 100 to 125 kg of fruits. Date palm plants take time to bear fruit in the early years, but will continue to provide fruit for the next 20 to 70 years.

#11. Marketing

It is really straightforward and easy to market dates. Because dates are in high demand and have a high market value. As a result, you should be able to sell the fruits at the local market.

Is Dates Farming Business Profitable?

Yes, date cultivation is a lucrative business. If you do everything correctly, you can make a lot of money from this business.

How Long Does it Take to Grow a Dates?

Date palm trees typically take 4-8 years to bear fruit after planting.

Are Dates Easy to Grow?

Yes, dates are really simple to grow. Date palm trees are incredibly sturdy and hardy, and they require little care and attention. This company is simple enough for beginners to start.

What Climate Do Dates Need to Grow?

Date palm trees want hot, dry, and sunny conditions for optimal growth. They do not, however, grow well in particularly rainy and humid areas.

Where are the Best Dates Grown?

Date palm trees thrive in warm climates with little to no rain. The Middle East offers by far the best weather conditions for cultivating dates.

Conclusion

Finally, considering its economic, health, and export possibilities, the Dates Farming Business gives a fantastic opportunity for agricultural entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Africa. The company provides a variety of opportunities. Starting and managing a Dates Farming Business can be successful with the correct knowledge and expertise.

I hope this information has been useful to you!