Hodeida: An awareness meeting for palm farmers in the al-Nakhila area of al-Durayhimi district in Hodeida governorate discussed best practices for high-quality date collection, proper drying, and marketing through agricultural associations.
According to Yemen News Agency, the meeting was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources in coordination with the al-Durayhimi Farmers' Association. It emphasized enhancing farmers' capabilities to improve the quality and market value of dates.
District Director Mohammed al-Mousai praised the Ministry's focus on this strategic crop and the efforts to strengthen the role of agricultural associations in marketing and farmer development.
Abdulrahman Hazza, the Ministry's Dates Value Chain Officer, noted that the meeting is part of a national strategy to localize date production, achieve self-sufficiency, and reduce import costs.
He highlighted that the state has directed traders and date companies to purchase local produce through associations. This initiative aims to improve packaging and marketing, asserting the quality of Yemeni dates as a viable alternative for the local market and a boost to farmers' incomes.
The event included a documentary showcasing modern date collection, drying, and packaging methods.