Abstract

Objectives: This manuscript investigates the effect of applying modern production methods by date producers to reduce production costs, it tested several hypotheses. There is a statistically significant relationship between date producers' application of the bubble irrigation method and production costs. There is a statistically significant relationship between date producers' application of palm tree improvement methods and production costs. Methods: Using data collected through sample of 40 electronic questionnaires from all date production farms in the Qassim region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, amount to 13,403 farms, which represents the research community. The data was analyzed using SPSS program. Our research shows evidence of reduction in production costs when cultivar selection methods or modern irrigation methods were applied, while there is no positive impact of applying improvement methods for palm trees and date production on production costs. Results: Our research shows evidence of reduction in production costs when cultivar selection methods or modern irrigation methods were applied, while there is no positive impact of applying improvement methods for palm trees and date production on production costs. Conclusion: We build upon our empirical findings and draw some recommendations for policy makers to encourage date producers to apply modern production methods by raising their awareness of modern production methods and facilitating the application of these methods by providing appropriate tools, and conducting laboratory research to improve date varieties, encouraging date producers to apply good packing and storage methods to preserve production and avoid waste, establishing date related industries to maintain demand and stabilize prices and benefit from the value added value to the economy. It is necessary for date producers to commit to applying modern methods in growing and producing dates, paying attention to bubble irrigation, improving varieties and choosing the best ones, while maintaining production through good packaging and good storage of the produce.