Pakistan is an agricultural country, blessed with a diverse range of crops and fruits. Among these, dates are one of the most important fruits in terms of production and export potential. Pakistan is the fifth-largest producer of dates in the world, with an annual production of around 700,000 tons. However, the country’s potential for date production and export is much higher than its current level.
Date palms are grown in almost all parts of Pakistan, but the major production areas are Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab. The date varieties grown in Pakistan include Aseel, Dhakki, Karbala, Muzawati, Begum Jangi, and others. Aseel dates are the most famous and most produced variety in the country, with a share of around 70% of the total production.
The date production season in Pakistan starts in August and ends in October. During this period, a large number of people are involved in the harvesting and processing of dates. The process of date harvesting and processing involves a significant amount of manual labor, and many families in rural areas depend on this work for their livelihood.
Pakistan is known for producing a wide range of date varieties, some of which are exclusive to the region. Here are some of the main varieties of dates that are grown in Pakistan:
- Aseel: Aseel is one of the most popular and widely produced varieties of dates in Pakistan. It is known for its dark brown color, soft texture, and sweet taste.
- Dhakki: Dhakki is another popular variety of dates in Pakistan, known for its unique taste and texture. It is usually smaller in size compared to other varieties and has a light brown color.
- Karbala: Karbala is a popular variety of dates in Pakistan, named after the city of Karbala in Iraq. It is known for its soft texture and rich flavor.
- Muzawati: Muzawati is a premium variety of dates that is grown in the Khairpur district of Sindh. It is known for its large size, dark brown color, and sweet taste.
- Begum Jangi: Begum Jangi is a rare and exclusive variety of dates that is grown in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is known for its unique taste, soft texture, and long shelf life.
- Khudri: Khudri is another popular variety of dates in Pakistan, known for its sweet taste and chewy texture. It is usually light brown in color and has a soft, fleshy texture.
These are just some of the main varieties of dates that are grown in Pakistan. Each variety has its unique taste, texture, and flavor profile, making them highly sought after by consumers all over the world.
The major portion of export proceeds against dates export comes from Dry Dates, Pitted Dates, Diced Dates and Date Paste.
In recent years, Pakistan has made significant progress in date production and export. The country’s date exports have increased from 46,000 tons in 2015 to around 200,000 tons in 2022, according to a market survey. The major export destinations for Pakistani dates are India, Turkiye (Turkey), the UAE, USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
The increasing demand for dates in the international market presents a significant opportunity for Pakistan to increase its export potential. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed to exploit this potential fully. One of the main challenges is the lack of modern technology and techniques in date production, harvesting and processing. The use of modern equipment and techniques can significantly improve the quality of dates and increase their shelf life, making them more attractive to buyers in the international market.
Another challenge is the lack of proper infrastructure for date processing and storage. A significant amount of dates are wasted due to inadequate storage facilities, which can be addressed by investing in modern cold storage facilities. Moreover, Pakistan needs to focus on establishing a reliable and efficient transportation system for the smooth and timely delivery of dates to the international market.
The government of Pakistan has taken several initiatives to promote date production and export in the country. The Ministry of Commerce has identified dates as a priority sector for export promotion and is providing various incentives to exporters, including financial support and market development assistance. Moreover, the government is also encouraging private sector investment in the date industry through various incentives, such as tax exemptions and subsidies.
As such, the date production and export potential in Pakistan are significant, and the country can capitalize on this potential by addressing the challenges faced by the industry. By investing in modern technology and infrastructure, Pakistan can improve the quality of dates and increase their shelf life, making them more competitive in the international market. The government’s support and encouragement for private sector investment in the industry are also crucial for the industry’s growth and development. With the right policies and initiatives, Pakistan can become a leading exporter of dates in the world, contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.
GNS Pakistan is a leading dates processing company in Pakistan, with a state-of-the-art processing plant located in Therhi Town, District Khairpur, Sindh. The plant is equipped with advanced technology, including fully automatic metal detection scanning machines, and the dates selected for processing are graded or categorized according to FAQ, GAQ, Industrial, High, A, B, and C grades/categories. The processing plant is ISO certified by a reputable and renowned inspection firm, and the products are also Kosher & Halal certified. GNS Pakistan has implemented HACCP in its production facilities, and its skilled workforce (men and women) operate with hygienic methods while treating dates in different processes.
As a food-certified supplier and exporter, GNS Pakistan specializes in Aseel Dates, BJ Dates, T-Mix Dates, Dry Dates, Pitted Dates, Diced Dates, Date Paste, and Date Powder. The Company is also a certified supplier of organic dates, mainly aseel dates from Pakistan. GNS Pakistan’s customer base is spread worldwide, including countries such as the USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, and other EU countries.
GNS Pakistan was established with a mission to make a positive impact on poverty alleviation and the empowerment of women. The company’s aim is to enable women to support their families in a dignified manner while also contributing to their economic growth and development. GNS Pakistan believes in creating sustainable business opportunities for women, promoting gender equality and supporting the local communities.
If you have any queries or are interested in buying from GNS Pakistan, their team is always ready to respond promptly to any inquiries or requests for further details.
