Despite their tireless efforts and perseverance, our farmers are unable to earn a fair income that matches their hard work. Pakistan stands as the world’s 5th largest producer of date palms, with Balochistan playing a major role in contributing to the country’s total date production.
Agricultural researchers claim that among 240 kinds of dates, 190 are available in Balochistan, which is a substantial driver of the local economy. Dates of the highest quality are particularly produced in Panjgur, Washuk and Kech, with prominent ones like Awar and Begum Jangi priced at $200 to $1,000 per ton in international markets, further highlighting their importance concerning job opportunities.
Balochistan’s dates have quality export potential but unfortunately there is a great deficiency of facilities for packaging and processing among others, which compels the peasants to export their dates and import packaged ones at a higher cost. Even after working hard in the hottest temperatures for survival, they confront financial losses. Moreover, the summer monsoon also causes severe damage to date production.
Governmental strategies and support are much needed for the sector of date production, as uplifting it would greatly benefit the workers while also elevating Pakistan’s name in international markets.
Sara Baloch
Absor
