Desert Turns to Gold: Date Farming Transforms Livelihoods in Pokaran, Rajasthan
29 July 2025, New Delhi: Once known for its barren land, extreme heat, and limited water, Pokaran in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district is now emerging as a hub of innovation in agriculture—thanks to date palm cultivation. Farmers, once reliant solely on rainfed Kharif crops, are now earning lakhs annually by growing dates in the desert.
Turning Sand into Sustenance with Dates
Jaisalmer’s climate, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 50°C, has proven ideal for date palm farming. The crop thrives even in saline water and poor soils, making it a game-changer for the region. With growing interest from farmers across India, Jaisalmer is fast becoming the preferred destination for date cultivation.
The transformation began in 2012 when two progressive farmers from Gujarat, Anil Santani and Dilip Goyal, started cultivating dates in Lohata village of Pokaran tehsil. They planted 1,500 saplings of high-yielding varieties like Khuneji, Barhee, and Khalas.
Innovation Drives Higher Income
In the early years, each tree produced 30–40 kg of fruit, which sold for ₹40–50 per kg—generating ₹12 lakh annually. However, the earnings barely covered the cost of cultivation.
Breakthrough with Support from KVK Pokaran
A major turning point came in 2018 when the farmers connected with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Pokaran. Through training programs and expert guidance, they learned techniques for processing, grading, packaging, and value addition. Instead of selling raw fruit, they began selling dates in their processed ‘pind’ form.
This shift boosted their annual income to ₹23 lakh. In addition, they now earn ₹3–4 lakh more annually by selling saplings at ₹1,500 per sucker.
‘Heaven Valley’ Brand Goes Global
Their produce is now marketed under the brand ‘Heaven Valley,’ which has found buyers not only across India but also internationally. Compliant with FSSAI standards, their dates rival those imported from Gulf nations in taste and nutrition.
Scaling Up for Sustainable Income
Encouraged by high returns, Anil Santani has planted 200 more trees on his farm. Though date palms require care in their early years, they can produce fruit for nearly a century—ensuring a long-term source of income.
Jaisalmer’s Climate: A Natural Advantage
The region’s dry climate, low pest pressure, and the tree’s long fruit-bearing life are drawing more farmers toward date farming. The success of Santani and Goyal has also created year-round employment for over 10 workers on their farm.
KVK: Catalyzing Change on the Ground
Dr. Dashrath Prasad, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Pokaran, emphasized that the center’s training and outreach programs have directly influenced farmers’ income. Innovations in date processing, value addition, and digital marketing are helping local farmers carve out a new identity in desert agriculture.
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