Lack of agreement over location delays establishment of Date Processing Plant at D.I. Khan

In order to establish Date Processing Plant at D.I. Khan under directives from Standing Committee on Commerce & Textiles, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan had convened meetings with relevant members of working group associated with DPP at Circuit House, D.I. Khan.

The meeting was attended by relevant stakeholders at D.I. Khanviz, Dhaki Dates Growers Cooperative Society, D.I. Khan Chambers of Commerce, Department of Agriculture Extension, University of Agriculture, Gomal University, SMEDA and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

Ministry of Commerce through EDF Board had released Rs. 20.400 Million for Establishment of Date Processing Plant at D.I. Khan through in 2006.The project was not implemented due to the lack luster performance of Pakistan Horticulture Company.

There was a consensus in meeting dated May 15, 2018 on establishment of DPP at D.I. Khan among all stakeholders except location of plant. In order to move forward, it requires Feasibility Report, Nomination of Implementation Group and Technical report on suitable location within/near D.I. Khan for establishment of DPP. The Planning Commission has also approved project of Establishment of Dates Research Institute at Dhaki area in D.I. Khan in 2018 through University of Agriculture, D.I. Khan.

It is pertinent to mention that dates are cultivated in around 11,000 hectors area at D.I. Khan which give 30,000 tons production of dates, out of which 21,000 tons dates in 9,000 hectors are produced in Dhakki.