Date varieties, research achievements showcased

The Horticultural Department of the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, organised the Date Festival 2025, showcasing a wide range of premium date varieties and highlighting research achievements aimed at boosting exports.

The festival featured exhibitions of dates from Pakistan and abroad, including Ajwa, Medjool, Halawi, Khizrawi, Dhakki, Shamran, and Aseel, presented in attractive packaging. Visitors also attended practical training sessions on modern cultivation techniques, orchard management, harvesting, value addition, and post-harvest technologies.

According to official statistics, Pakistan produces around 560,000 tonnes of dates annually, with exports of approximately 102,000 tons contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings. Experts believe the country has strong potential to secure a leading position in the global date market.