RIYADH, 24 May 2005 — Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest producer of dates, will set up a council composed of date producers. The council will promote exports of the country’s 400 varieties of dates. Dr Abdullah T. Al-Thenayan, chairman of Saudi Agricultural Bank, made the announcement. He went on to say, “The council, comprised of representatives of local cooperatives will help the date industry to grow while facilitating export of dates.” The council will also participate in agricultural shows outside the Kingdom in order to promote the sale of dates. “The move to set up a date council reflects the government’s keenness to support the agricultural sector and to ensure the well-being of date farmers,” said the bank chief. The ministry of agriculture has also been encouraging date production especially since restrictions have been imposed on the cultivation of water-consuming crops.