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The production of citric acid from dates of the date palm Phoenix dactilifera was studied using a full factorial design with two design variables; Aspergillus niger strain, and starter juice treatment. Analyses of data have shown that mould type and the interaction between Aspergillus niger strain + juice treatment had significant effect (P ≥ 0.05) on the final total acidity. It was also found that all design variables and the interaction between them had significant effect (P ≥ 0.05) on the final pH and Total Soluble Solids. The highest total acidity expressed as citric acid was achieved with a commercial strain of Aspergillus niger, and filtered and centrifuged date juice.

This paper considers the vision of how to develop an efficient value chain and development strategies to improve the value chain in Oman. The main key factors of inclusive and sustainable development of the date value chain are determined to carry out the appropriate actions for improving the date palm sector in Oman. To explore the challenges and opportunities leading to the improvement of the marketing, commercialization, and competitiveness of dates and date palm products in this country, an analytical tool guideline (SWOT) was framed. Such analysis is useful to raise awareness to create policies for improved marketing of dates. Based on the SWOT analysis, the diversification of date varieties, and orientation toward modern plantations are the most important strengths of the date value chain. However, the increasing competition in regional and global date markets is the major threat to the date sector in Oman. There is a good possibility to promote the date processing industry in Oman given the rising demand for fresh and processed dates in national and international markets. A profitable and competitive date palm sector could be achieved by focusing on high yield and commercial varieties to ensure higher date palm productivity and the orientation toward adoption of quality standards to meet international market demand.