Valorization of Date Palm Wastes and By-Products for Sustainable Date Palm Farming Systems: A Green Business Approach

Boubaker Dhehibi, Rania Soula, Muhi El-Dine Hilali, Abdulbasit Oudah Ibrahim, Azaiez Ouled Belgacem, Abdoul Aziz Niane, Arash Nejatian. (1/3/2026). Valorization of Date Palm Wastes and By-Products for Sustainable Date Palm Farming Systems: A Green Business Approach, in "Technological Heritage of Date Palm Waste Utilization: A cultural expression across the Arab world. Section IV-Future Applications of Date Palm Waste in the Cicular of Bioeconomy". United Arab Emirates: Khalifa International Award For Date Palm And Agricultural Innovation.

Abstract

Date palm production is a strategic sector across the Middle East and North Africa, representing one of the region’s oldest economic activities and contributing significantly to welfare, culture, nutrition, and the environment. The Middle East and North Africa region leads global date cultivation, covering nearly 75% of the world’s date palm area, producing around 77% of global dates, and accounting for roughly 69% of total exports. Beyond domestic consumption, the sector provides substantial employment, income, and trade opportunities. In arid regions, date palms are essential for local subsistence due to their resilience to high temperatures, salinity, drought, and other harsh conditions. Additionally, date palms generate significant agricultural residues that can be converted into compost, organic fertilizers, livestock feed, and other added-value products. In some Gulf countries, annual waste from date palm groves ranges from approximately 4,500 to over 120,000 tons, with a potential to increase with the effects of Red Palm Weevil infestation. This chapter presents a comprehensive techno-economic feasibility study on recycling and utilizing date palm residues through composting, activated carbon, and biochar, combined with the use of renewable energy and other valorization approaches. Utilizing these by-products offers multiple benefits, including enhanced soil fertility and decreased air and water pollution. By transforming residues into valuable resources, the sector can achieve sustainable growth while supporting environmental conservation, agricultural productivity, and economic resilience.