He emphasized that the advanced age of palm trees and the shallow depth of their roots play a significant role in the persistence of traditional irrigation methods.
Irrigation in the agricultural sector is a topic that has received criticism from many experts. Nevertheless, in recent decades, the use of so-called modern irrigation methods has developed in the country's agricultural sector. However, only a limited area of land is equipped with these irrigation systems, mainly due to the high installation and operation costs, which hinder the expected progress in this direction. Different sectors within agriculture are involved in traditional irrigation practices, particularly in the orchard and palm grove areas. Rashid Farrokh, the head of the Iranian National Date Association, announced a while ago that 60% to 65% of the country's palm groves are irrigated using flooding methods. Nonetheless, it appears that the agricultural sector, which mostly relies on traditional practices, lacks enthusiasm for adopting modern irrigation technologies.
In many of our orchards, including palm groves, the deep-rootedness of the trees is very low due to their age, and they have become accustomed to flooding irrigation. Therefore, when modern irrigation methods are applied to these traditional orchards, problems arise.
Although experts often emphasize the high costs of equipping farms and orchards with modern irrigation systems, others argue that there is a need for infrastructural preparations to introduce these new equipment and irrigation systems. Mohaddad Takaloozadeh, the secretary of the Iranian National Date Association, commented on the sluggishness of modern equipment entering the agricultural sector, particularly in irrigation: "There are numerous reasons, but government organizations have provided support in the form of interest-free facilities and low-interest loans over the past 10 to 15 years. However, the fundamental challenge is that our farmers are mostly traditional farmers who have grown accustomed to and learned traditional farming methods."
Takaloozadeh added, "On the other hand, in many of our orchards, including palm groves, unfortunately, due to their age, the depth of their roots is very shallow, and they have become accustomed to flooding methods. Therefore, when modern irrigation methods are applied to these traditional orchards, problems arise."
Iran's 22% Share in the Global Date Market
He stated that when modern irrigation methods are used, they often face several challenges in the production sector, including a decrease in agricultural productivity and tree-related challenges. However, practically, farmers cannot endure a 5 to 6-year period until their palm trees return to normal and their production levels match the past, as the production costs are very high.
This professional figure highlighted, "Furthermore, the lack of widespread use of modern irrigation methods, especially in orchards, might indicate that the long-term advantages of water consumption have not been adequately explained. We should consider this as a social responsibility, and in that case, we can expand its adoption."
Takaloozadeh pointed out, "Specifically, in the case of dates, the reason for not utilizing modern irrigation systems is the advanced age of palm trees, especially since our ancestors planted them, and we are now harvesting the dates. Therefore, if a new plantation is to be established, we should move towards using modern methods."
In response to the question about Iran's share in the global markets, he stated, "Currently, we have the highest volume of date exports in the world, but in terms of export value, we rank between 7th and 9th globally. In other words, we have approximately 350,000 to 400,000 tons of date exports,