Sindh contributes over 57 per cent of the Pakistan’s total date production followed by Balochistan with 33.5 per cent
Pakistan’s First International Date Palm Festival begins at the Expo Centre Karachi
Karachi, Sindh
Based on Sindh’s favorable agro-ecological conditions and inspired by the successful date palm cultivation in Gulf countries, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R), through the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), has launched a groundbreaking project to introduce date palm cultivation in the Thar Desert. Following thorough trials, 38 varieties were assessed, and eight have been recommended for large-scale propagation.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced while speaking at the inaugural session of the First Pakistan International Date Palm Festival at the Expo Centre Karachi on Friday October 4, 2024.
He said that the eight date varieties have great potential for expanding cultivation into other arid regions, such as the vast Cholistan Desert in Punjab. However, Pakistan’s date varieties, while deeply rooted in tradition, are mainly local and often not suitable for direct export or value addition.
He pointed out that Pakistan, with over 252,000 acres dedicated to date palm cultivation, produced more than 730,000 tons of dates in 2022, solidifying its status as a leading player in the global date market.
Despite this, the CM acknowledged the challenges Pakistan faces in maximizing the value of its date production. While the country ranks fifth in production and third in export quantity, its international trade value remains lower than expected. To address this, he stressed the importance of introducing improved rain-tolerant, high-yielding varieties and modern post-harvest technologies.
He acknowledged Sindh’s leadership in date production, contributing over 57 per cent of the country’s total output followed by Balochistan with 33.5 per cent, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 2.5 per cent. Khairpur was singled out as a hub of biodiversity, with over 300 cultivars, including the prized Aseel variety, which commands about 70 per cent of national production.
Shah stated that Begum Jhangi and Mozavati are esteemed varieties in Balochistan, while Dhakki is celebrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Murad Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing international partnerships, particularly with the UAE and fostering innovations that will unlock Pakistan’s potential as a key player in the global data market.
Read: UAE Announces International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation
Shah said that our dates are also highly sensitive to seasonal monsoons, which often occur during the ripening phase, resulting in significant losses. “To address this, it is urgent to introduce improved, rain-tolerant, high-yielding varieties through germplasm import from Gulf countries or through advanced breeding programs,” the CM said and added the tissue culture technology will play a crucial role in accelerating the propagation of these superior varieties.
The CM distributed certificates and cash prizes among the top and best growers. He also performed the inauguration ceremony of the First Pakistan International Date Palm Festival at the Expo Center by cutting a ribbon accompanied by UAE Ambassador Mr. Hamad Obaid Al Zabi. (PR)
Read: Torrential rains destroy date palm crops in Khairpur district of Sindh
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