Guide to Date Cultivation in India 2026

Table of Content

• Introduction to Date Farming in India – History
• Different Varieties of Date
• Date Palm Cultivation Process
  • Soil & Climate
  • Land Preparation
  • Irrigation
  • Intercropping
  • Fertilizer Management
  • Pollination
  • Harvest & Yield
• Recent Date Production Data in India

Introduction to Date Farming in India – History

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a flowering plant species belonging to the palm family of Arecaceae. It is cultivated for its edible sweet fruit called dates. In India and many other countries around the world, such as Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the fruit is called Khajur (when fresh) or Chhuhara (when dried). Date is also one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. Its history dates back thousands of years, with its origin in 4000 BC in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Over the centuries, date palms transversed from the Middle East and Africa to Europe and America through trade. Historical evidence suggests that date palms were first introduced to the Indus Valley civilisation in the 4th century by soldiers of Alexander the Great and later by Muslim invaders in the 8th century.

In present-day India, dates are commonly grown in arid and semi-arid regions, such as Rajasthan and Gujarat. Date palm trees are perennial and, with proper maintenance, can live for more than 100 years. These fruits are highly sought after for their sweet taste, making them a popular snack. Not only that, but they are also incredibly nutrient dense with 70% carbohydrates and a good source of Vitamin A, B-2, B-7, Potassium, Calcium, Copper, Manganese and Iron, etc.

Different Varieties of Date

Some popular varieties of available in India include Safawi, Ajwa, Medjool, Khudri, Segai, Deglet Noor and Barhi. Each of these varies in size, color, texture and flavour. In the table below, we’ve highlighted some of their unique features.

Date Palm Cultivation Process

Here’s a step-by-step guide for successful date palm cultivation.

Soil & Climate

Before the cultivation process starts, it is important to understand the ‘soil & climate’ requirements of the plant. This helps set the foundation for successful cropping and harvesting in future. A date palm requires deep sandy loam soil, with adequate drainage. These plants are naturally resistant to alkaline and saline soil, making them more suitable for arid climates and drought conditions. A pH level between 8 - 10 is ideal for the plant as it ensures the availability of essential nutrients like potassium, calcium and magnesium. Date palms thrive in hot and dry climates. These plants grow well in a temperature ranging from 25°C to 40°C, which helps with proper development and ripening of the fruit.

Land Preparation

The next important step is preparing the land. Start by conducting a soil test which helps determine important factors such as pH, nutrient, and salinity level of the soil. This information can help you make informed decisions about any soil amendments that are required. After that, plough the land thoroughly, about 3 to 4 times and bring the soil to a fine tilth. When the soil is leveled dig pits of 1 m x 1 m x 1 m (preferably in the summer season) and leave the pits open, exposed to the sun. Additionally, fill the pits with a mixture of top soil and organic manure to improve fertility and soil structure.

Irrigation

Schedule irrigation based on the growth stage of the date palm. During summertime, irrigation is provided at the interval of 10-15 days and in winters irrigation is given at the interval of 30-40 days. The most commonly used method of irrigation used in date cultivation is drip irrigation which provides a consistent and controlled water supply. This type of irrigation also ensures that the water reaches the root zone without too much water wastage.

Intercropping

Intercropping is an important part of cultivation as it allows farmers to grow different varieties of crops in the same field. As a date palm can take anywhere around 5-6 years to fully mature and start producing fruit, intercropping can be a profitable and sustainable solution in that period when yield for date farm is not available. One of the primary benefits of intercropping is its positive impact on soil fertility. Leguminous crops like lentil, gram, and mung beans are particularly beneficial for this purpose. These crops can help fix the atmospheric nitrogen in the soil and provide a form of natural fertilization.

Fertilizer Management

Consistent fertilization is key to sustaining healthy Date palms. Between September to October month, make sure to apply FYM@10-15kg to young plants and 30-40kg per tree to mature plant. [email protected] is applied on one year plant to mature tree. Application of urea is done in two equal splits; first dose is given before flowering, and the remaining half dose is given after fruit set is done in April.

Pollination

Pollination in date plants is extremely important for fruit production. This is due to the fact that the species is ‘diecious’, which means the male and female plants are separate. The male to female ratio in a modern plantation for dates is 1/50 (2 %). Artificial or manual pollination is widely practiced in date farming.

Pollination Process

• In case of Manual pollination, which is a more traditional method, farmers or specialized workers climb up the trunk to the female inflorescence to apply pollen directly to the flower, or by inserting one to four male spikelet in the centre of female inflorescence
• In Mechanised form of Pollination pollen powder is mixed with talcum powder (20% pollen, 80% talcum) and distributed evenly. There are two methods of mechanised pollination:
  • Semi-mechanized – This is done by using manual sprayers (blowers).
  • Mechanize pollination – This is done with motorized dusters fitted with pumps or pesticide dispersal equipment.
• Pollen can be collected and stored in a cool, dry place in the shade. It can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later use.

Harvest & Yield

Date palms are ready to be harvested 4 to 5 years after planting. A commercially viable yield can be achieved 8 to 10 years after planting. Fruits are generally harvested at three stages, Khalal or doka stage (fresh fruits), soft or ripen stage (pind or tamar). After harvesting, the fruits are washed and dried in the sun or in dryer at a temperature of 40-45°C for 80 to 120 hours. This helps them reach the Chhuhara stage (dry stage), after which they are packed and stored away for sale.

Recent Date Production Data in India

According to Government’s Department of Horticulture data from 2021, India produced around 202.84 ton of dates with 9.13 ton/ha of productivity in 22.19 thousand ha of area. Here is a list of some of the highest date producing states in the country.

As date cultivation expands across the country, it promises Indian farmers with better commercial opportunities and new avenues for rural growth. Through modern farming methods and advancement in agriculture sector, India is poised to transform this niche industry into one of the largest contributors to its agricultural economy.