PHOTO: FILE
A few years back, the federal government decided to import plants of Ajwa as well as other famous varieties of dates from Saudi Arabia for their experimental plantation.
Research found the soil of Jhang, Faisalabad and Bahawalpur suitable for the plantation of these imported dates.
In 2016, the Ayub Research Centre planted 78 plants of Ajwa in Jhang that have now started giving fruit.
Along with these 150 date plants of Saudi origin namely Amber, Khalas, Mabroom and Barhi were also planted at the research centre.
With the success of the plantation experiment, experts now intend to increase the production of Ajwa by planting more saplings.
Thorough research: A date with palms
The sale of Ajwa plants to private growers for cultivation in their farms is also being deliberated upon.
Agriculture experts are extremely satisfied with the quality and quantity of the fruit.
A senior scientific officer at the research centre for dates in Jhang, Fiaz Ahmad, told The Express Tribune that they are drying Ajwa dates through natural means which require more time and labour. He further said the government has sanctioned 10 farm dryer machines to mechanise the date drying process in the Jhang farms.
“Upon their arrival not only the processing work will accelerate but it would enhance the quality of the fruit as well,” he added.
He said that the plants of Jhang farm have started yielding date suckers which will be sold to the growers from next year so that widespread plantation of Ajwa dates is ensured in Punjab.
Ajwa dates are sold for around Rs3,000-5,000 per kilogramme in the local market.
If its localised production is facilitated, it will save a lot of foreign exchange by ensuring a substantial decrease in the import of these dates.
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