Drought-Resistant Date Palms Offer New Hope to UP Farmers

Uttar Pradesh is actively encouraging farmers to adopt high-value crops like date palms, moving beyond traditional agriculture to adapt to changing climatic conditions. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by erratic rainfall, which makes water-dependent crops increasingly unprofitable.

The 'Barhi' variety of date palm has been specifically selected for Prayagraj's Patha region due to its suitability for arid climates and minimal water requirements. This variety is unique as its fruit can be consumed in a raw, yellow stage, offering a crisp, apple-like sweetness.

Harvested by late June or early July, the fresh dates avoid spoilage from monsoon rains. Unlike other varieties, they are sold fresh, eliminating the need for drying and reducing processing costs. Mature trees can yield 100 to 150 kilograms of fruit annually.

Following Mirzapur, Prayagraj is the second district in Uttar Pradesh to launch this cultivation program, with 200 saplings planted in September in areas like Shankargarh. The trees are expected to start bearing fruit within three years.

The state's Horticulture and Food Processing department offers subsidies of up to 40% through schemes like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. The subsidy covers up to Rs 1.60 lakh per hectare for tissue-cultured plants, aiming to establish commercial orchards.