The Government of Somaliland has taken a significant step toward revitalizing one of its most valuable agricultural resources with the launch of a high-level national workshop aimed at enhancing date palm production and establishing sustainable pest management practices.
The workshop was officially opened on Tuesday in Hargeisa by the Minister of Agriculture Development, Hon. Mohamoud Ege Yusuf, who described the initiative as a cornerstone of the government’s agricultural agenda.
“This effort to develop date palm production is among the major priorities of the Ministry of Agriculture,” Minister Yusuf said in his opening remarks. “Under the leadership of the ‘Unity and Progress’ administration, increasing national production remains at the very top of our agenda.”
The two-day strategic meeting, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), brought together deputy ministers, senior technical officials, regional cooperative leaders, and date palm farmers from across Somaliland, particularly from the key producing regions of Marodi-jeh and Awdal.
A major highlight of the opening session was the announcement by the Director of Plant Protection at the Ministry, Ms. Faysa Mohamed Rage, that comprehensive national data collection on date palms is now 98% complete. The survey is expected to provide the foundation for evidence-based planning and targeted interventions.
FAO Country Representative Ms. Amina welcomed the progress and reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to the sector. “We are delighted to support this vital initiative,” she said. “FAO is actively working to mobilize additional funding specifically dedicated to strengthening date palm production in Somaliland.”
Participants will focus on practical measures to increase both the quantity and quality of dates, improve post-harvest handling, expand market access for farmers, and introduce environmentally sustainable methods to control pests that have long threatened yields.
The workshop underscores Somaliland’s determination to transform its date palm sector from a traditional crop into a commercially competitive industry capable of contributing significantly to food security, rural employment, and export earnings.
