Sindh allocates Rs100m for date processing and production

KARACHI: Sindh’s Minister of Agriculture Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar has announced that the provincial government has allocated Rs100 million to enhance the processing and production of dates in Khairpur.

Efforts will also be made to further activate the research centre in Kot Diji to provide relief and support to farmers.In a statement, the provincial minister revealed that a comprehensive plan has been devised to restore and increase date cultivation in the region.

Special provisions will be made for women involved in the date industry and related businesses.In the 2021-22 season, date production in Sindh reached 224,000 tonnes. Pakistan is the world’s second-largest exporter of dates, with key markets including India, the UAE, and Bangladesh.

Mahar added that the Sindh government will enhance agricultural productivity through concrete measures. The province’s ‘Dhakki’ dates, known for their unique taste and texture, are especially popular on the international stage.

The minister also highlighted the challenges posed by climate change, noting that the 2022 monsoon rains had damaged date crops in Khairpur, Sukkur and Ghotki. Farmers from these regions have reported water shortages, which have further impacted cultivation.

He said that the Sindh government will organize a programme in Karachi, bringing together farmers and experts from Khairpur, Sukkur, and Ghotki. The event will focus on developing policies to increase date production, generate foreign exchange and support farmers’ growth.

The government aims to position Pakistan as the leading global date exporter, with plans to boost production through modern techniques such as tissue culture and the introduction of new varieties. The goal is to increase demand for Sindh’s dates and establish them as a preferred choice worldwide.