A seminar and date show was organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan first time in Pakistan. The basic purpose of the seminar was too aware dates grower technically and encourage export of Dates in Balochistan.
The Makran is the second largest date producer of Pakistan after Sukkur. Dates contribute 53% GDP to the national economy by almost 225000 tons of dates produces from 42.3 thousand hectares. Dates hold the second position in production list after apples.
The chief guest of the seminar was Gulab Jan, Chairman District Council, Gwadar. The seminar was attended by 150 growers, exporters of dates, representatives from Balochistan Dates Grower Association, Pakistan Agriculture Research Council, Plant Protection Department, Agriculture Research Department GOB, Agriculture Extension Department of Baluchistan, Head of Rural Support Programme Turbat and Chairman GPA.
The date show was also organized in which different exhibitors from Balochistan showed 50 plus kinds of dates naming Bagam Jangi, Kaharba & Mozawati and from Punjab Hillavi, Khudrawi, Zahidi, Shmran,shukkar, Dakki, Halimi etc and Ajwa.
During the seminar, the speakers stressed that quality improvement of dates by using innovative technology and processing plant as there is a huge scope to earn foreign exchange by exporting dates. Dates syrup, jam, and paste is already being developed by a grower of Balochistan.
The date show and seminar is held at Gwadar for the first time. Dates grower from Turbat and Panjgur due to lack of awareness were facing technical problems. The Balochistan Dates Growers Association appreciated efforts of TDAP in organizing the event and advised to continue it annually. Suggestion for seminar organization at Turbat.
The DG TDAP during the seminar assured growers to arrange their participation and showcasing products in an international exhibition. He also briefed about the Karachi date show and Expo Pakistan. Gwadar authorities will support TDAP office in Gwadar Free Zone area and invited them to be on /board in organizing international exhibition event in Gwadar being held by Gwadar Port Authority.