10 World’s Biggest Countries in Dates Production
The 10 World’s Biggest Countries in Dates Production
The 10 World’s Biggest Countries in Dates Production -Dates is one
of the World’s most favorite fruits consumed by many people and widely served
as several dishes for breaking the fast and religious events of the world’s
Muslims. Commonly, Date palm is considered as one of the oldest fruit trees
domesticated by people. Probably, the earliest wild findings of date palm were
recorded around 5000–6000 B.C. founded in Iran, Egypt and Pakistan.
Furthermore, the earliest cultivations were found around 4000 B.C. from Eridu
and Lower Mesopotamia (Hadrami & Hadrami, 2009). Etymologically, the
biological scientific name of date palm is Phoenix dactylifera.
This word is derived from ‘Phoenix’, the legendary bird of old Greece,
and ‘dactylos’ meaning ‘finger’ considering the shape of the fruit
(Hadrami & Hadrami, 2009). Until now, dates cultivation and farming spread
over in several countries because of the various health benefits in the
nutritional content of this fruit.
Dates palm is a diploid (2n = 2x = 36), perennial, and monocotyledonous plant belonging to Palmaceae (Barrow, 1998). Taxonomically, the date palm tree or Phoenix dactylifera belong to the Order of Arecales and Family Arecaceae so that it is still closely related to oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), coconut (Cocos nucifera L), and other palm tree species. Dates trees are also often referred to as “the fruit of the prophet” because of the various positive benefits it provides for human health. Genetically, there are some popular dates and maybe some of the people knew this dates, namely Medjool, Ajwa, Zahadi, Deglet Noor, Khudri, Sagai, Sukkari, Thoory, Halawy, Barhi, and others.
The World’s Area Harvested, World’s Production and Yield of Dates Fruits From 1961 to 2024
|
Year |
World's Area Harvested Date Palm
Trees |
World's Production of Dates
Fruits |
Yield of Dates Fruits |
|
(Hectare) |
(Tons) |
(Tons/ Hectare (T/ha) |
|
|
1961 |
240,972 |
1,852,592 |
7.69 |
|
1962 |
238,349 |
1,809,091 |
7.59 |
|
1963 |
257,461 |
1,839,908 |
7.15 |
|
1964 |
280,170 |
1,830,017 |
6.53 |
|
1965 |
272,106 |
1,880,697 |
6.91 |
|
1966 |
271,106 |
1,890,977 |
6.98 |
|
1967 |
286,575 |
1,866,065 |
6.51 |
|
1968 |
293,429 |
1,821,545 |
6.21 |
|
1969 |
277,436 |
2,126,069 |
7.66 |
|
1970 |
265,365 |
1,881,730 |
7.09 |
|
1971 |
298,578 |
2,109,412 |
7.06 |
|
1972 |
300,350 |
2,031,918 |
6.77 |
|
1973 |
304,666 |
2,179,223 |
7.15 |
|
1974 |
333,908 |
2,289,511 |
6.86 |
|
1975 |
330,135 |
2,423,988 |
7.34 |
|
1976 |
338,846 |
2,256,881 |
6.66 |
|
1977 |
328,569 |
2,659,513 |
8.09 |
|
1978 |
350,998 |
2,459,666 |
7.01 |
|
1979 |
366,118 |
2,683,037 |
7.33 |
|
1980 |
359,355 |
2,659,406 |
7.40 |
|
1981 |
370,032 |
2,372,927 |
6.41 |
|
1982 |
418,608 |
2,601,013 |
6.21 |
|
1983 |
390,035 |
2,685,466 |
6.89 |
|
1984 |
395,915 |
2,631,789 |
6.65 |
|
1985 |
543,382 |
2,819,692 |
5.19 |
|
1986 |
580,371 |
2,966,905 |
5.11 |
|
1987 |
578,803 |
3,051,401 |
5.27 |
|
1988 |
595,342 |
3,155,783 |
5.30 |
|
1989 |
619,846 |
3,430,585 |
5.53 |
|
1990 |
625,085 |
3,430,883 |
5.49 |
|
1991 |
653,311 |
3,698,098 |
5.66 |
|
1992 |
661,112 |
3,646,283 |
5.52 |
|
1993 |
726,352 |
4,376,304 |
6.03 |
|
1994 |
784,516 |
4,560,234 |
5.81 |
|
1995 |
826,453 |
4,841,171 |
5.86 |
|
1996 |
873,396 |
5,009,028 |
5.74 |
|
1997 |
894,624 |
5,078,669 |
5.68 |
|
1998 |
893,152 |
5,722,449 |
6.41 |
|
1999 |
999,612 |
5,936,812 |
5.94 |
|
2000 |
1,046,528 |
6,428,511 |
6.14 |
|
2001 |
1,053,334 |
6,646,474 |
6.31 |
|
2002 |
1,080,925 |
6,705,509 |
6.20 |
|
2003 |
1,089,757 |
6,733,537 |
6.18 |
|
2004 |
1,062,660 |
6,609,307 |
6.22 |
|
2005 |
1,073,184 |
6,533,419 |
6.09 |
|
2006 |
1,138,945 |
6,750,896 |
5.93 |
|
2007 |
1,174,821 |
6,939,258 |
5.91 |
|
2008 |
1,174,727 |
6,994,188 |
5.95 |
|
2009 |
1,192,733 |
7,158,800 |
6.00 |
|
2010 |
1,274,617 |
7,501,488 |
5.89 |
|
2011 |
1,117,277 |
7,236,739 |
6.48 |
|
2012 |
1,105,072 |
7,400,719 |
6.70 |
|
2013 |
1,153,605 |
7,489,629 |
6.49 |
|
2014 |
1,150,022 |
7,395,470 |
6.43 |
|
2015 |
1,121,073 |
8,060,628 |
7.19 |
|
2016 |
1,180,783 |
8,281,356 |
7.01 |
|
2017 |
1,185,206 |
8,366,406 |
7.06 |
|
2018 |
1,240,455 |
8,721,160 |
7.03 |
|
2019 |
1,184,064 |
9,164,462 |
7.74 |
|
2020 |
1,216,368 |
9,413,914 |
7.74 |
|
2021 |
1,266,867 |
9,784,677 |
7.72 |
|
2022 |
1,278,483 |
9,201,137 |
7.20 |
|
2023 |
1,336,355 |
9,968,278 |
7.46 |
|
2024 |
1,379,351 |
9,946,598 |
7.21 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|||
Statistically, the area harvested and production
areas of dates palm has increased gradually from time to time. In the year
1961, the world’s area harvested of dates palm reached 240,972 hectares (ha) with world production of
dates reaching 1,852,592 tons. After more than 60 years, precisely in 2024, the
world’s production of Dates fruits in 2024 reached 9.94 million tons with
harvested area of dates around the world reached 1.38 million hectares (ha).
Furthermore, the yield of dates fruits from 1961 to 2024 is relatively stable
in the value of 5 – 8 tons/ hectare (t/ha).
The World’s Production of Dates Fruits Based on Continent 2024
|
Continent |
Production
of Date Fruits in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
Africa |
4,311,402 |
|
Americas |
74,739 |
|
Asia |
5,545,177 |
|
Europe |
15,280 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
Specifically, according to continent regions based
on FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the cultivation and production
of date fruits has spread out across the continent. Specifically, Asia still
became the main growing area with output of fruits reaching 5,545,177 tons in
2024. In addition, Africa is the second biggest area of dates fruit production
with total output reaching 4,311,402 tons. Meanwhile, the minor regions of
dates palm located in the Americas 74,739 tons and
Europe 15,280 tons.
Statistically, along with the increasing demand
and the various positive benefits, many countries cultivate date palms. FAOSTAT
(FAO Statistical Databases) data from the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO),
from the United Nations (UN), has recorded the 10 World’s Biggest Countries in
Dates Production of 2024. Below are data on the 10 largest dates-producing
countries in 2024.
Table 10 World’s Biggest Countries in Dates Production of 2022, 2023, and 2024 According to the FAO Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) from FAO, United Nations (UN)
|
Rank |
Countries |
Dates Production in 2022 |
Dates Production in 2023 |
Dates Production in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
(Tons) |
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
Saudi Arabia |
1,610,731 |
1,903,102 |
1,927,556 |
|
2 |
Egypt |
1,733,432 |
1,702,732 |
1,750,302 |
|
3 |
Algeria |
1,247,404 |
1,324,682 |
1,337,301 |
|
4 |
Iran (Islamic Republic of) |
1,030,460 |
971,471 |
1,182,144 |
|
5 |
Pakistan |
732,936 |
895,232 |
604,243 |
|
6 |
Iraq |
715,293 |
615,247 |
587,190 |
|
7 |
Sudan |
442,667 |
442,584 |
443,134 |
|
8 |
Oman |
376,980 |
394,946 |
400,655 |
|
9 |
Tunisia |
369,000 |
387,150 |
400,219 |
|
10 |
United Arab Emirates |
397,329 |
351,750 |
333,632 |
|
Source: FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOSTAT,2024) |
||||
To add a brief overview of the conditions of date
palm cultivation in each of the biggest countries in the world, this will be
shown some brief descriptions of statistics and an overview of date palm
cultivation in the 10 World’s Biggest Countries in Dates Production of 2024.
The brief Description Dates Fruits Country Producers
1. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the biggest-largest country
producer of dates fruits in the world in 2024 with a total production of
1,927,556 tons. Statistically, the distribution of date palm plantations can be
found in several regions with around 36 to 37 million date palm trees
cultivated in this country. Riyadh, Qassim, eastern province, and Medina are
the largest date-growing areas in the country. Dates have become the main
commodity from this country due to an increase in the population of date palm
cultivation in this country. From 1990 to 2011, the total plant population and
the area for planting date palms in Saudi Arabia have increased from 13 million
to 25 million trees and an increase in area from 55,000 ha to 170,000 ha
(Al-Redhaiman, 2014). In terms of genetics, there are some popular
varieties or cultivars of Dates Palm cultivated in Saudi Arabia and these are
Ajwa, Sukkari, Khalas, Saghai, Safawi, Barhi.
2.Egypt
Egypt is the 2nd world’s largest dates
fruits country producer in 2024 with total production reaching 1,750,302 tons.
In this country, the types of dates planted are classified based on geographic
conditions, namely soft (43.5%), semiarid (19%), and arid (2.5%).
Agronomically, the date palms in this Pyramid Country are mostly planted in the
Nile Valley and around the Eastern desert oasis but the Nile River delta is the
largest region with its production contribution reaching 1/3 of Egypt’s
national production. From a genetic perspective, the cultivars/types of dates
cultivated in Egypt, namely Hayany (soft), Zaghloul (soft), Siwy (semiarid),
Samani, and Medjool. In this country, the harvesting time of dates palm is
around September-November (Bekheet, 2015).
3.Algeria
Algeria is the 3rd world’s largest country
producer of dates fruits with a total production of 1,337,301 tons in 2024.
Commonly, about 18 million date palms trees are cultivated in this country with
a land area of about 169,380 hectares (ha). Geographically, that date palm
production in Algeria is mainly concentrated in the southeastern part of the
country, which accounts for 76% of the national production. Biskra Province
ranks first with a contribution of almost 31%, followed by El Oued (27%) and
Ouargla with 18% contribution to national production. In terms of genetic
aspects, Deglet Noor, Degla Beida, and Tafezwin dates are some of the most
popular dates cultivated in Algeria and it has been exported to other countries
(Nadia et al, 2015).
4. Iran
Iran is the 4th biggest date producer in the world
by
2024 with total production reaching 1,182,144 tons.
In this country, date palm plantations spread over in the South, Southeast, and
Southwestern regions of Iran. Specifically, the main plantation regions of date
palm can be found in several provinces, namely Kerman, Hormozgan, Khuzestan,
Bushehr & Fars, Sistan & Baluchestan. The types of dates grown in this
country vary according to the geographical and climatic conditions of the
region. The Cultivars of Bam Mazafati Dates, Piarom Dates, Kalute Dates, Zahedi
Wet Dates, Dried Zahedi Dates, Kabkab Dates, Sayer Dates, Rabbi Dates, Lulu
Dates, Shahani Dates are some of the popular dates in Iran (Ario, 2020).
5. Pakistan
Pakistan is the 5th biggest dates fruits country
producer in the world by 2024 with total production
reaching 604,243 tons. Statistically, Balochistan and Sindh provinces account
for around 90% of Pakistan’s total date production. Meanwhile, when viewed from
the type of dates planted, several cultivars/types of dates planted and popular
in this country include Begum Jangi, Muzawati, Kehraba, and Rabai.
Statistically, 80% of date production is prioritized for domestic consumption
and only 20% of dates from Pakistan are exported abroad. Geographically, in
Pakistan, there are main regions for date cultivation. These areas include
Khairpur district and the Panjgur District.
6. Iraq
Iraq is the 6th largest date palm producer in the
world of 2024 with total production reaching 587,190 tons. In this country, the
population of date palms is more than 15 million trees scattered in several
regions. Some of the areas that are the center of the country’s date palm
cultivation are Babylon, Baghdad, Diyala, Karbala, and Basrah. In terms of
type, dates grown in Iraq and considered to have high commercial value included
Zahidi, Halawy, Sayer, Khadrawy, Khastawi, and Dayri (Khierallah, et al., 2015).
7. Sudan
Sudan is the 7th world’s biggest
country producer of dates in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate
Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Dates from Sudan reached 443,134 tons.
Geographically, in Sudan, there are main regions for date cultivation.
Bilad al-Mahas, Sukut, Dongola, Dar al-Shaiqiyah, Dar al-Manasir, Dar
al-Rubatab and the areas around Bauqah and Berber along the Nile boast
extensive date cultivation areas.
8. Oman
Oman is the 8th biggest country
producer of Dates fruits in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate
Database (FAOSTAT), the production of dates from Oman
reached 400,655 tons. Of all fruits produced in Oman, Dates Fruits become the
largest plantation area occupying over 80% of the total fruit area in Oman.
Geographically, in Oman, there are main regions for date cultivation.
Nizwa and Suwaiq are some of the main regions of dates cultivation in
Oman. Genetically, some variety or cultivar of date palm is cultivated in Oman, namely Khalas, Fardh, Khunaizi, Khesab, Mabsali.
9. Tunisia
Tunisia is 10th biggest producer
in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the
production of Dates from Tunisia reached 400,219 tons. Geographically, in
Tunisia, there are main regions for date cultivation. Djerid and Kebili are
some of the main regions of dates cultivation in Tunisia. Genetically, some
varieties of dates palm are cultivated in Tunisia,
namely Deglet Nour, Aligue, Khouat Allig, and Kenta. Of all types, Degler
Nour still becomes the most-cultivated variety of Dates Palm in Tunisia.
10. United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates is the 10th biggest
country producer in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOSTAT), the production of Dates from the United Arab Emirates reached 333,632 tons. Genetically, some of
the dates palm varieties cultivated in United Arab Emirates are Khalas, Fard,
Lulu, Barhi, Khanezi, Bumaan. Based on
the climatic condition, the main harvest of dates fruits occurs in late summer
around the month of August to September.
The Histogram Summary of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Dates Fruits in 2024
The Table Summary of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Dates Fruits in 2024
Bibliography of 10 World’s Biggest Countries in Dates Fruits Production of 2024:
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Barrow, S. 1998. A monograph of Phoenix L.
(Palmae: Coryphoideae). Kew Bul. 53:513–575.
Hadrami, I.E., Hadrami, A.E. (2009). Breeding Date
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4, 2021.
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