Ahmed Khan Malik

The date processing plant in Panjgur district of Balochistan is uplifting the local economy through the good price being offered to the growers for their produce.

“The date processing plant in Panjgur has revolutionised the date industry in Balochistan by providing a centralised location for processing, which was previously done manually by farmers,” Aslam Dashti, a leading grower in the area, told WealthPK. 

He said that the plant has enabled farmers to sell their dates at a better rate by ensuring quality control and standardisation. “Moreover, the plant has enhanced the shelf life of dates by using modern processing techniques such as hot water treatment and fumigation.”

Dashti said that the establishment of the date processing plant has not only provided economic benefits to the local community but also contributed to the overall development of the date industry in Pakistan. “The plant has played a crucial role in promoting exports of Pakistani dates to international markets, including the Middle East, Europe and the United States,” he said.

He added that the plant has also created awareness about the nutritional benefits of dates and their versatile uses, which has increased their demand in local as well as international markets. “Furthermore, the date processing plant has also contributed to the sustainable development of the region,” he said.  Majeed Kakar, Director of Horticulture Department, said that the plant has provided training to local farmers on modern farming practices and date processing techniques, which has increased their productivity and income.

“The plant has also created a market for farmers to sell their dates at a better rate, which has encouraged them to cultivate more date palm trees. As a result, the plant has contributed to the conservation of the environment by promoting sustainable agriculture practices and the preservation of natural resources.” He noted that the success of the date processing plant in Panjgur has encouraged other regions in Balochistan to invest in the date industry.

“The Balochistan government has launched various initiatives to promote the cultivation and processing of dates in the province. For instance, the government has provided subsidies to farmers for purchasing date palm saplings and equipment. The government has also launched training programmes for farmers to learn modern farming practices and date processing techniques.” Kakar said that the Panjgur plant has also encouraged private investors to invest in the date industry.

“Various private companies have established their processing plants in different regions of Balochistan to process and export dates. These private companies have not only contributed to the economic development of the region but have also created healthy competition, which has encouraged farmers to produce high-quality dates.” He said that the plant in Panjgur is a promising venture for the date industry in Balochistan. “The plant has enhanced the quality of dates, increased their shelf life, and created job opportunities for the local community.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk