Al-hodeidah: The annual festival marking the conclusion of the date palm harvest for the year 1447 AH - 2025 AD was held on Saturday in Al-Suweiq area of Al-Tuhaita District, Al-Hodeidah Governorate. The event highlighted the significance of dates in the lives of the people of Tihama, emphasizing their economic and social importance.
According to Yemen News Agency, the festival was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources and the local governorate authority, in cooperation with the Agricultural Cooperative Union, the Agricultural and Fisheries Project and Initiative Financing Unit, the General Authority for the Development of Tihama, and the Al-Balad Al-Tayyibah Multipurpose Association. At the festival, Dr. Radwan Al-Rubai, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, stressed that dates are among the most important crops in Yemen's western coast, due to their high nutritional value and economic return, contributing to national food security.
He noted that the ministry is working to support farmers in improving date production by introducing modern irrigation, fertilization, and processing techniques, thereby enhancing quality and expanding marketing opportunities. Dr. Al-Rubai also highlighted that holding the festival alongside the Prophet Muhammad's birthday adds a spiritual dimension, reflecting the connection between agricultural activity and the faith-based values of serving both the land and humanity. He pointed out that the ministry will continue cooperating with agricultural associations and relevant authorities to support date marketing and develop related processing industries, ensuring better returns for farmers and improving rural household livelihoods. He praised the efforts of the Al-Balad Al-Tayyibah Association and its Date Unit in promoting Tihami dates locally.
For his part, Al-Hodeidah Governor Abdullah Atifi emphasized that Al-Balad Al-Tayyibah Association in Al-Tuhaita represents a model of successful cooperative work in serving farmers and promoting date production. Governor Atifi noted that the date crop is a vital economic resource for rural families and is closely tied to the region's agricultural and cultural heritage, warranting further attention to its cultivation, production methods, and marketing. He affirmed that the local authority supports community initiatives and cooperative associations to advance date farming and introduce modern agricultural techniques that increase production and improve quality. He also commended farmers for their role in preserving this strategic agricultural product, describing the festival as an annual occasion to honor their efforts and strengthen social solidarity and connection to the land.
The festival, attended by MP Mohammed Ahif, Assistant Undersecretary for Southern District Affairs Motahar Al-Hadi, and other officials, featured remarks by Ahmed Al-Qadri, Executive Director of Al-Balad Al-Tayyibah Association. He explained that the festival aims to promote Tihami dates, expand local market opportunities, support farmers, and encourage local consumption. Exhibitions accompanying the festival showcased a variety of dates and related products, including date syrup, paste, and sweets.
Fahd Kashmu', head of the association's Date Unit, noted that the festival is part of a broader strategy to develop the date sector in Tihama. The association works to improve production quality through agricultural guidance and awareness campaigns, and builds marketing partnerships that ensure sustainable returns for farmers. The festival, attended by the directors of Al-Tuhaita, Zabid districts, local officials, elders, and community leaders, included horse and camel races, traditional Tihami dances, folk songs, and date exhibitions reflecting the cultural identity of the region.
The annual Date Palm Festival reflected the deep connection of Al-Tuhaita residents to their agricultural and economic heritage, showcasing community solidarity and the central role of dates in their lives. It also underscored their commitment to continue developing this strategic crop and improving production methods to preserve its value and strengthen its role in economic and social development.