Arabian Date Palms Cultivated In India

The Arabian date palms have attracted the Indian farmers from Tamil Nadu so much that they have started cultivating it in large numbers.

The plants are imported from Saudi Arabia for cultivation in the State's Dharmapuri district. Cultivated on more than 2,000 acres of land, the Arabian dates palms yield the best fruits.

"In Ariyakulam village, I have 10-12 acres of land, out of which dates are grown on eight acres. There are many different varieties of dates grown here," said
Nizamuddin, a date farmer.

The date farmers in Tamil Nadu are earning well as the crop needs less water and no chemical expenses for its cultivation.

Growing dates is much easier for the farmers. It requires very little amount of water, almost no labour, fertilizers or any other chemicals.

The first saplings for commercial growth in Tamil Nadu was procured over 15 years ago at a cost of Rs 3,250 from Saudi Arabia. However, now the farmers can get the saplings within the state itself.