Opportunities and challenges of dates industry in Saudi Arabia: A study of Alkharj region

Production of dates in Saudi Arabia has a major contribution in the development of the country's economy as well as its' agricultural sector. In terms of production as well as exports of dates, Saudi Arabia is in the forefront of other countries in the world. The market for dates in Saudi Arabia is also fulfilling the needs of local markets. The geographical and climatic conditions of the country have several advantages to further increase the production of dates and their exports to compete at international markets. Almost 25% area and 40% of total production in Saudi Arabia is from AlKharj region of the kingdom. A sample of 44 respondents representing farmers, customers, and marketers are surveyed and the data results of their opinions on opportunities and challenges of the industry are analyzed. By using SPSS, goodness fit and item fit analysis of data has been also tested. The study results identified several opportunities for dates marketing and however concluded that the farmers and traders are faced difficulties in marketing of their produced dates. Based on the analysis of study results, it is also proposed that by the ways of date festivals, easy hiring of labor and, awareness of financial support schemes from the government would definitely support the industry and its stakeholder to face the challenges at present.