REVIEW ARTICLE

Cultivation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Bangladesh as an alternative for declining rice production due to water scarcity

Md. Nazim Uddin Mondal1 and Jameel M. Al-Khayri2

1Former Associate Scientist-Extension Agronomy, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI),Deputy Director, Agriculture Extension, Department of Agriculture Extension, Gazipur. Bangladesh. Email: nazim.mondal@gmail.com; 2Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia. Email: jkhayri@kfu.edu.sa

Abstract

Considering the current situation of irrigation water scarcity on its negative impact on rice cultivation in Bangladesh, the risk factors of sustainability of rice production and the opportunity of transformation of rice land to fruit orchards is explored. Present and past cultivation of Indian sugar date palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) in Bangladesh is examined in relation to the potentiality of adapting date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivation. Relationships among the P. sylvestris and P. dactylifera were evaluated to the experience gained in the cultivation of existing palm species in relation to the feasibility of introducing new palm species. Bangladesh offers suitable climatic conditions and amble cultivable lands for growing P. dactylifera. Moreover, similarities of the adaptation process between Guzrat, India and Bangladesh would facilitate the introduction of date palm. The development of date palm cultivation in Bangladesh requires serious research initiatives to identify proper cultivars and develop appropriate cultivation practices to maximize fruit yield and quality. This communication is intended to draw the attention of the national and international agricultural organizations as well as the private sector to further explore the opportunity for date production as an alternative food source to alleviate the effect of water scarcity on rice production in Bangladesh.

Key words: Bangladesh, Climate, Cultivation, Date palm, Guzrat Introduction, Irrigation, Sustainability, Rice production

1. INTRODUCTION

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an important fruit for the majority of people in Bangladesh in consideration of religious believe. There is a substantial demand for dates among the Muslim community especially in the holy month of Ramadan which is supplied by imported dates. According to FAOSTAT (2000), about 15,000 mt of dates was imported to Bangladesh in 2000. This amount increased multiple folds as demand expanded following economic development and population. In 2015 private traders imported 17000 tons and Trading Corporation of Bangladesh TCB 150tons of dates for the holy Ramadan excluding the year round demand of the fruit. It is estimate that 20000 tons of dates of different grades and varieties have been imported from

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Pakistan, Tunisia, Algeria and other countries to Bangladesh costing about US$5million/year of foreign currency.

Date as a staple instead of rice in Bangladesh sounds peculiar. However, farmers are looking for potential crops to sustain food production to face water scarcity and the future of rice production.

Sustainability of rice production is at risk due to unavailability of water (Rahaman et al., 2010). The climate of Bangladesh is not wet enough to support rice crop and sources of irrigation water are decreasing due to drought and desertification. High land rice fields have already been converted to orchards to deal with water scarcity (FAO 2012).

There is ample scope for mass introduction of date palm in the rice-growing high lands of northwest and south west Bangladesh (Fig.1) and as a replacement of existing traditional sugar date palm. Although, some efforts for the introduction of P. dactylifera to Bangladesh commenced since 2001, substantial technical support is required. The existing huge presence of traditional sugar date palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) in Bangladesh prompts the exploration of the cultivation of other related palm crops.

This paper evaluates the problems associated with sustainability of rice production in Bangladesh and the prospect of introducing date palm in Bangladesh as a source of supplementary food to face the diminishing water supplies.

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Fig. 1. Map showing drought in Bangladesh, Courtesy of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (2000).

2. STUTUS OF INDIAN SUGAR DATE PALM(Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) IN BANGLADESH

Indian sugar date palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.), a close relative of Phoenix dactylifera L., is widely distributed in South Asia, from Pakistan to Myanmar, across India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh (Barrow, 1998; Henderson, 2009). Indian sugar date palm (Fig. 2), known as Khejur tree in Bengali, is grown in crop fields, homestead areas and marginal lands along the roads, canal and roads either naturally or by planting (Rashid, 1991; Anonymous, 2000; Abedin and Quddus, 1991). This species grows in many districts in Bangladesh, profusely in Jessore where it is of a considerable importance due to the extensive use of its sap in sugar production (Blatter, 1978). Wastland (1871) stated that in 1792, date sugar was largely manufactured and exported to Calcutta, now known as Bangladesh. In Jessore, Das et al. (2010) found the mean of date palm trees per household in 2010 is 11.13, but it was 50.92, 128.5 and 143.08, in 2000, 1990 and 1980, respectively; thus suggesting declined cultivation. Another exploratory study was conducted in Gopalganj, a southern district of Bangladesh, showed that the sugar date palm was distributed over seven different habitats like roadside, agricultural field and orchard (Rahaman et al., 2011). The farmers in this district manage the palm mainly for the production of juice which is used as a fresh drink, raw material for sugar making, and alcoholic beverage.

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Fig. 2. Naturally grown Indian sugar date palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) at Khilkhat, Airport road, Dhaka,

Bangladesh. Photo by N.U. Mondal

3. INDRODUCTION INITIATIVES OF DATE PAALM (Phoenix dactylifera ) IN BANGLADESH

In Over millennia, from Mesopotamia, the date palm has been carried in all directions in an historical process of diaspora that continues today (Johnson, 2010). In Bangladesh introduction of date palm Phoenix dactylifera L. has already been started. According to available records as early as 2001 it was started by Mr. Motaleb a Saudi Arab returned service man who took seeds of Azwa variety from the garden where he worked and planted in his garden at Paragoan, Valuka, Mymensingh, Bangladesh and got first fruit in 2006 and in the photos (Fig. 3) of that palm tree in 2012 are (he also expanded his garden and selling out seedlings. (Seraj S, 2012). Kabir (2014) also reported date palm cultivation at Mymensingh and other districts such as Bogra, Magurahatkhera Mangamati, Feni, Moulivebazer, Natore, Jhenidha and Sherpur districts of Bangladesh.

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Fig. 3. Mr. Motaleb with his palm tree in his Garden at Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Source: The Daily Star, Dhaka.

3.1 People’s interest on date palm P. dactylifera plantation in Bangladesh

The success of Mr. Motalab was shown on different print media and TV programs such as “Hridya Mati O Manus” by Chenel i, created enthusiasm among the people particularly the Muslim community of Bangladesh. Many people collected planting materials particularly seeds from Saudi Arabia during performing Haj pilgrimage or people working there and planted them all over the country. However, the limited technical knowledge about cultivation of the fruit frustrating results has been coming. The scenario of the date palm P. dactylifera plantation within few meter square in the Uttara Model Town, Dhaka, Bangladesh is given ( Fig: 3). Date palm trees were planted in front of the mosque , park, road side or in front of houses or a shady place with very poor management. Only one planted tree. However, looks better on Gaushul Azam Avenu, House No. 45, Uttara Sector 14, Dhaka. This plant is a female tree and the owner Md. Enamul Haque informed that seeds were brought from Saudi Arabia and flowers have been emerging for last two seasons but no fruits have been set this may be case that there is no male plant to pollinate the flower and the technique of artificial pollination is unknown. The scenario of the newly expanded P. dactylifera all over the country can easily be guessed from the plantation of date palm in Uttara Model Town in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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Fig 3, P. dactylifera plantation in Uttara Model Town, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo. Mondal N U2015, Photo A, Elongated leaves B poor growth due to wrong site selection and mismanagement.C and D poor management, E growth is good, F female flower emerged 2 times failed to set fruit.

4. SIMILARITY TO INTRODUCE P. dactylifera TO BANGLADESH WITH , INDIAReligious importance of date fruit among the Muslim community added an advantage for introduction and expansion of the fruit in India. The evidence is that Kutch's rural Muslim population is concentrated mainly in the northern part of the district, close to the border with Pakistan where the fruit acreage is the highest. As per the 2001 census, the district's population was 1,526,331, of which around a third are Muslims. (Census India 2001). Kutch is the largest Date -palm producing region in India, with a whopping total area under Date-palm farming of 16,000 hectare and production of 1.2 lakh tonnes, it would not be a surprise if you give an incredulous look (Shandilya, 2012). Therefore, it is easily understand that Muslims are much interested on dates because of the religious importance and involved for introduction of dates. In

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Bangladesh 90% people are Muslim so to introduce date palm ) religious believe may be an unique avenue like Kutch of India. Collection of planting materials from Haj pilgrimages or people working in Saudi Arabia is easy for Bangladesh.

5. IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITY IN GENNUS Phoenix THROUGH HYBRIDYZATION

In the genus Phoenix, interspecific barriers appear to be very limited (Pintaud et al., 2010). When Phoenix species are brought into proximity, crossings occur (Corner, 1966; Greuter, 1967; Hodel, 1995; Wrigley, 1995). It thus appears that the choice of the species from which the pollen is extracted for pollination is of importance in date palm cultivation. It is possible to have larger fruits (with P. sylvestris, Nixon, 1935). A potential beneficial effect of P. sylvestris pollen may encourage the farmer to use it instead of P. dactylifera pollen (Bonavia, 1885). It thus appears that the choice of the species from which the pollen is extracted for pollination is of importance in date palm cultivation. It is possible to have larger fruits (with P. sylvestris, Nixon, 1935). Muriel Gros-Balthazard 2013 reviewed that Interspecific hybridization events in the genus Phoenix are very common and in most cases lead to fertile hybrids. In India and Pakistan cultivated P. dactylifera is pollinated with P. sylvestris. (Benbadis, 1992). Thus it is clear from the above review that in Bangladesh improvement of existing P.sylvestris and adaptability of P.dactylifera can be enhanced utilizing interspecific relationship among the dates. As the case mention above that emerged female flower fail to set fruits at Uttara, Bangladesh or any female tree of P. dactylifera can be pollinate by naturally or artificially. Intrduction of P. dactylifera to Bangladesh may create opportunity of natural hybridization among the species to get better fruits like other counties.

6. CLIMATE AND CULTIVAABLE LAND IN BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is situated between latitude 20.34° N and 26.33° south and between longitude 88.01° and 92.41° E and surrounded by India. Bangladesh has a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by wide seasonal variations in rainfall, high temperatures and humidity. In general, maximum summer temperatures range between 30°C and 40°C. April is the warmest month in most parts of the country; January is the coldest month, when the average temperature for most of the country is about 10°C.. About 80 percent of Bangladesh's rain falls during the monsoon season (Weather Online, 2015). Dates are widely grown in the arid regions between 15 oN and 35oN and it survive in a wide temperature up to about 50-60oC which means that Bangladesh has favorable condition for the plant Phoenix dactylifera L. (mentioned above). . The habitats for sugar date palms mention above is suitable for P. dactylifera in addition to that the high land suitable for Aus rice and high land may be use . However, detail study needed for the introduction process. It is assumed that introduction of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) to Bangladesh is a matter of time because in the long run there will not be enough water to grow rice and the environment to grow date palm is favorable.

7. CAUSES OF WATER SCARCITY TO IRRIGATE RICE IN BANGLADESH

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7.1 Climatic hostility for rice production.According to Kyuma (1972, 1986), Asia is placed in a drought condition and any change of rainfall distribution would seriously affect the potential of the land to support rice cultivation. Based on monthly temperature and rainfall analysis from 125 meteorological stations throughout Asia it reviled that the location of Bangladesh in rice growing regions is not enough wet to support to grow rice without irrigation. Basak (2011) also concluded that, the changing pattern of rainfall play a considerable negative impact on yield of T. Aman rice in which can be minimized by providing supplemental irrigation. .

7.2 Reduction of surface water sources due to siltation and rise of river bed. About 500 rivers including Trans-boundary flow of 57 rivers covering 24000 Square Kilometers occupied 3.3 % of the total landmass the country. The total water resources as of 2010 stood at 1211 BCM, with 21 BCM accounting for the total groundwater resources of the country. This means that 1190 BCM was the total of the river runoff in Bangladesh (Waslker et al., 2013). The amount of runoff water from upstream decreasing gradually due to siltation and increased consumption resulted to fall of river water level causes drawdown of ground water level as it is related to fall of river water level. (GWIC, 2013).

7.3 Unavailability of ground water aquifers for irrigation to rice field The phenomenon of lowering of groundwater depth is mainly due to extracting increased amount of groundwater than recharging aquifer (IWM, 2006). The BADC study (2002) also found that during 1980-2000, groundwater irrigation coverage rose from 6 to 75% in Bangladesh in 2009. The National Commission on Agriculture (1996) estimated that the available potential of the aquifer that could be extracted by STWs for sustainable use of groundwater in irrigation had almost been exploited by 1996.

7.4 Drought and Desertification According to National Reports on Implementation of United Nation’s Conservation to Combat Desertification, Bangladesh, Ministry of Environment and Forest, 2001, Between 1960 and 1991, droughts occurred in Bangladesh 19 times. Past droughts have typically affected about 47 percent area of the country. Some geographers and ecologists claims that there is evidence of desertification from the very dry soil conditions in the Barind Tract region and the white reflectance of the soil surface on air photos and satellite imageries (Jabbar et al., 1982).

8. CHANGING SCENARIO OF RICE CULTIVATION IN BANGLADESHRice is grown on about 11 million hectares in Bangladesh, in the name of Aus rice (Upland rain fed) Aman and Deep water Aman rice (wet season) and Boro rice (dry season irrigated) . Change of water regime and irrigation rice cropping pattern changed. The Deep Water Aman rice area declined drastically from 3 million ha in 1970 to .37 million ha in 2014 due to inadequate water for proper growth and development. Similarly Aus rice area decline 3.242 million ha in 1970 to 1.05 million ha in 2014. Transplanted Amana (T.Aman) rice remain same however, irrigation dependent Boro rice area jumped quickly .894 million ha in 1970 to 4.76 million ha in 2014 due to development of irrigation facility (BBS 2014 , Chowdhary and Zaman 1970). In recent years cropping patterns in the northwestern districts of Bangladesh have already seen a remarkable shift from mainly rice based cropping systems towards more integrated

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systems with the expansion of mango orchards. (FAO, 2012). Sole fruit orchards are also been started to grow in the high land rice fields in drought prone Bangladesh (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4. Mango orchard in rice field, Photo, Courtesy, FAO (2012).

5. Conclusion

It may be concluded that introduction of (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Bangladesh resembles to Gujrat, India in respect of community involvement and early sugar date palm presence, source of planting materials and introduction initiatives. Therefore, it may be hoped that date palm cultivation expansion is a matter of time. The initiatives by the private people to introduction and expansion of date palm should get institutional support by national and international organizations for research and development of good date palm cultivar for Bangladesh. It may be remembered that in Gujrat date palm started to flourish after the earthquake in 2001 with the institutional support from national and international organizations. Scarcity of water for rice production in Bangladesh is a digester created by nature or human on staple food production. Therefore, somebody should come forward to overcome with an alternative potential source of food to face the digester of future water scarcity in Bangladesh.

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