DOHA: The Ministry of Environment has reiterated that the last date to procure the popular locally grown Al Khalaas dates from Qatari farmers is September 1.
The ministry said it is buying stocks of Al Khalaas from Qatari growers and will stop procurement on September 1.
Qatar produces at least 20 types of dates and Al Khalaas is one of them, reports Al Sharq.
Varieties in high demand include Iraqi, Khanezi, Khidrawi, Gharr, Sultana, Sukkari, Tonsi, Barhi, Khisab, Dajla Noor and others.
Al Khalaas and nearly all other varieties are also found in other Gulf countries.
The ministry last year held a festival of dates for the first time to raise awareness about their health benefits.
Dates are full of fibre, fat- and cholesterol-free, good for digestion and intestinal disorders, and can treat sexual dysfunction.
They are rich in vitamins and contain potassium.
Some health experts say eating a date daily is necessary for a balanced diet.
The ministry plans to help farmers improve the quality their dates and increase quantity.
Qatar produces 16,000 to 20,000 tonnes of dates every year.
The Agricultural Affairs Department at the ministry has an agricultural research unit focusing on improving quality and quantity of Qatari dates.
Qatar Foundation also has a QR15m project to aid genetic research on dates.
THE PENINSULA
