Date crops may strengthen Brazilian economy
Date plantations have been advocated as a means of strengthening the north-eastern Brazilian economy.
The proposal comes from Egyptian agronomist Magdi Ahmed Aloufa who says that the fruit, typical of the Middle East, could boost the region both agriculturally and economically.
According to his research, plantations have the potential to fertilise arid soil by reducing its temperature and interrupting the process of desertification, as well as opening up an export market of the fruit.
Mr Aloufa, who has been based in Rio Grande do Norte since 1983, said: "The plant has very good economic value. And the only Latin American country that has acclimatised dates is Mexico, from where Brazil imports the largest share of the dares it currently consumes."
The north-eastern region is an emerging market in the property world, offering wind and kite-surfing areas as well as deserted sand dunes for buggy riding, attracting a growing number of property investors.
Analysts say the long term result of the scheme could see a strengthening of the local economy, which in turn may increase property values, pleasing many who are currently investing in the picturesque area.
