Following the success of kinnows in Pakistan, dates emerge as a notable foreign exchange earner. Progressive farmers are advocating for the government's support in cultivating organic date palms within the 99% unused desert terrain of Nara subdistrict, Khairpur district, adjacent to the Indian border. This area's climatic conditions are deemed perfect for growing various organic date varieties, mirroring the environment of Gulf countries.
There is a noted demand for organic dates, driven by health-conscious consumers both internationally and within affluent domestic circles. Farmers, adept in creating indigenous manure, suggest that utilizing organic fertilization methods can produce superior quality dates without resorting to chemical inputs. This practice could potentially triple the market price of organic dates compared to their inorganic counterparts, with Pakistan's commercial attachés positioned to tap into these lucrative markets.
Emulating practices in India, where the government actively supports fruit export initiatives, local farmers in Pakistan call for governmental intervention in the date palm sector. This includes investment in research and development, enhanced production and export strategies, and the provision of advanced facilities for cold storage, packaging, processing, and marketing, alongside protective measures for the crops. Ghulam Qasim Jiskani, a prominent date palm farmer from Khairpur, emphasizes the need for government investment and support to elevate the date palm industry's status and output in the foreseeable future.
Source: tribune.com.pk