Dera Ismail Khan, August 16, 2025 — A delegation from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture Extension Department visited the Agriculture Research Institute’s Food Technology Section in DI Khan, focusing on advancements in the date palm sector.
Innovative Date Palm Technologies
The delegation explored the institute’s research facilities and innovative technologies. Members included Dr. Hanif Zahid Khattak, Director Plant Protection; Dr. Murad Ali Khan, Director Horticulture; and Dr. Muhammad Anwar Khan Bhittani, District Director Agriculture Extension.
Dr. Shahzada Arshad Saleem Saddozai, PRO and Head of the Food Technology Section, discussed pioneering work in date palm fruit ripening and drying technologies.
Efficiency with the Hybrid Solar Tunnel Dryer
The research emphasized the Hybrid Solar Tunnel Dryer (STD), a local innovation that reduces Dhakki date drying time to just 3–4 days. This considerably enhances production efficiency and product quality.
Currently, 47 STD units are in use across villages, providing farmers with a dust-free, hygienic drying method crucial during monsoon seasons. This not only reduces spoilage but also improves commercial quality.
Importance of Date Palm Investment
Officials praised the institute’s research capabilities and emphasized the need for increased investment in date palm infrastructure and training. They advocated for strategic funding to support sustainable agricultural development.
The delegation stressed the importance of strengthening the date palm industry’s value chain to maximize economic potential and stimulate revenue growth for local farmers.
Boosting Revenue through Exports
DI Khan Division is a leading producer of Dhakki dates. Traditional drying methods face challenges that affect quality and revenue.
Innovations such as the STD enable farmers to produce export-quality dates that meet international standards, hence boosting Pakistan’s agricultural exports and creating sustainable revenue streams.
Strategic Development Steps
Key regional initiatives are crucial to enhance the sector’s economic impact:
- Government-supported plantations
- Enhanced research facilities
- Cold-storage infrastructure development
- Market linkage programs for exports
These investments will fortify the value chain from production to international trade, supporting stable revenue for local farming communities.
