Page 12 - Date Palm_EA Book_English

The economic value of the date palm
Society views the date palm as an environmentally friendly plant that is beneficial in every way. It is the source of raw materials for dozens of industries and handicrafts. The practices and traditions associated with the date palm evoke its beauty, stature, bounty, medicinal benefits and its literary and cultural significance.
Emirati and Arab societies feel deeply connected to this tree, and this is reflected in the many customs, traditions and social practices that have formed around it. The date palm is the only tree that has supported the people of the region and provid- ed a source of wealth since ancient times. It enabled earlier civilisations to endure the harsh desert environment and provided bounty to all. Despite the development of modern agricultural methods, the date palm tree has maintained its status and importance.
In the United Arab Emirates and many other Arab countries, spaces are allocated for date palms in architectural designs, urban plans and commercial developments. It has become the cornerstone of many development plans.
Date palm cultivation continues to be a symbol of stability and forms a bond between people and their land. The tree remains a loyal ally in overcoming the challenges im- posed by the harsh desert environment.
It has also helped to preserve many traditions and social practices, such as the of- fering of dates, milk or Arabic coffee (Gahwa) to guests; decorating homes with palm leaves for celebrations; and the use of dates and pits (kernels or seeds) in traditional medicines.
In the transfer of knowledge to care for these trees, farmers’ service centres in the United Arab Emirates pass on experience and skills in harvesting, pest control, prop- agation and modern irrigation techniques. University faculties of agriculture carry out studies and research into the date palm, while radio and television programmes promote methods of caring for it. Companies that manufacture tools and irrigation equipment, or process and preserve dates, also participate in training young people in technologies and processes, holding regular workshops by craftsmen, agricultural engineers and experts.
Many young people also acquire skills from informal sources such as watching others and helping in the care of date palms. Because of the economic, social and cultur- al importance of the date palm, governmental and non-governmental organisations, elders, fathers and growers are keen to transfer their knowledge and experience on to the younger generation. This is achieved through the majlis (council) and by giving family members certain chores during the harvesting and preserving of the fruit, the pruning and splicing of the trees and making household items from the raw materials.