The yield from this year’s date crop in the Arava desert region is expected to reach 7,500 tons – an increase of 20% over last year’s harvest. The high yields have been accompanied by a 20% reduction in water consumption. Israel’s total annual date crop is expected to reach around 34,000 tons.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/172398#.UksNZFO_hOQ