Date Palm Farming: One Tree Yields 200kg, High Income Possible

• Date palm cultivation offers significant income potential for farmers, especially in hot, dry regions like Rajasthan.
• Ideal conditions include sandy loam soil (pH 7-8), 25-40°C temperature, and drip irrigation for optimal growth and yield.
• A hectare can accommodate ~156 plants (148 female, 8 male) for effective pollination, with varieties like Barhi and Medjool being high-yielding.
• Tissue culture plants start yielding in 3 years; a 15-year-old tree can produce 100-200 kg of fruit with proper care.
• Ripe dates can be stored for 2 weeks (5.5-7.2°C), and dried dates (chhuhare) for up to 13 months (1-11°C), ensuring better market prices.

Why It Matters: Date cultivation offers farmers a path to substantial income.