Farmers endure scorching heat for date harvest in Qala Salih

MAYSAN — Farmers in Qala Salih district of Maysan governorate are scaling palm trees daily in extreme heat as date harvest season peaks, with temperatures in the Ubada and Al-Tabu areas frequently surpassing 50 degrees Celsius.

Work begins around 5 a.m. and continues until late morning, with farmers focusing on preserving crop quality through careful tending of date clusters. The harvest season starts in July with early-ripening varieties and runs through late August, when higher-grade dates mature.

“The bag is wrapped around the cluster to protect it from pests and dust,” said Ali Qasim, a local orchard owner. “This helps maintain the quality of the dates, especially premium types.”

As ripening progresses, the protective coverings are removed to expose the dates to natural conditions before collection. Regular checks are crucial to prevent overripening and spoilage.

“We check the palm every other day to prevent the dates from fully ripening on the tree, which could spoil them,” said Ali Nadhim, a palm climber. “Half the dates are left on the tree and the other half are harvested, so the taste remains acceptable for the customer.”

Early-season varieties are currently dominating local markets, with mid- and late-season dates still ripening in smaller quantities. “Late-season varieties sell better in terms of price,” Nadhim said. “Right now, dates sell for around 1,000 dinars, but prices are higher in places like Baghdad, Kut, and Nasiriyah.”

Harvested dates are packed and shipped to these cities, where demand and prices are higher. Depending on weather conditions, farmers typically collect one or two boxes per day.

“The climbing tool is essential,” said Hussein Mohammed, another palm climber. “The ropes must be tied correctly to prevent falling.” He noted that farmers start work before dawn to avoid the most intense heat.

Early varieties remain the most commonly traded, while mid- and late-season types are gradually entering the market.