India is the world’s largest importer of dates from abroad.
In India, dates are no longer limited to Ramadan only. Its increasing use in winters and the growing trend of preparing different dishes from dates is increasing its demand. Statistics confirm this. The report of export-import data says that India has become the largest country importing dates from abroad. In the year 2023, India imported 49,05,89,000 kg of dates.
Now the question arises that from how many countries does India import dates, do dates grow in India too, how many varieties of it are being grown in India?
From how many countries does India import dates?
India imports dates from many countries. These include United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Oman as big exporting countries, whose dates are eaten by Indians. The demand for dates has increased in India due to many reasons. People are becoming alert regarding fitness and diet in the country. Bringing changes in your eating habits. Due to the nutrients, natural sugar and energy present in it, dates are being included in people’s diet.
There are many reasons for the increase in demand for dates in India.
It is considered a good source of fiber, iron and energy. Its demand also increases due to the tradition of breaking the fast with dates in Ramzan and because it is a healthy alternative to sugar. Presently its availability online and in super markets has increased the figure of imports. Therefore the demand is increasing.
Where do dates grow in India?
Even though India is the largest importer of dates, it is also cultivated in India. In India, Kutch of Gujarat and Jaisalmer and Barmer of Rajasthan are the places where dates are cultivated. If we compare both the states, the highest production of dates is in Gujarat.
India imports maximum dates from UAE, Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Which varieties are produced?
Varieties of dates like Barhi, Khalas and Medjool are produced in Gujarat. Whereas the dates grown in Rajasthan are small in size. In both the states, it is cultivated mainly in hot and dry (desert/semi-desert) areas. This is considered the perfect climate for date palm cultivation.
How many varieties of dates?
There are about 600 varieties of dates worldwide. However, they are divided into three categories on the basis of moisture. The first is soft, it includes the Medjool species. The second is semi-dry, it has less moisture and is a little harder than Medjool. Like Deglet Nour. Whereas, the third category is of dry dates. It contains thuri dates.
Medjool Khas is said to be the longest date.
Medjool is special among the varieties of dates. It is the largest in size. Its length ranges from 5 to 7 cm. It has more pulp in it. It becomes softer and sweeter. In India it is considered a premium and luxury date. It is claimed that this form is originally from Morocco, but it is cultivated in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel. At the same time, Barhi is counted among the smallest dates. It is 2 to 3 cm long. It is slightly sweet in taste.
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