PESHAWAR
\nSajjad Khan, a 42-year-old dates vendor from Nowshera District, is finding himself all smiles this Ramadan.
\nA once struggling small business owner, Sajjad is now making the most of the lucrative dates market in Peshawar, where the fruit is flying off the shelves faster than he can stock it.
\nAssisted by his two sons at the Pabbi fruit market, Sajjad\u2019s stall is busier than ever, with customers lining up to buy dates before Iftar.
\n\u201cThe demand for dates this year has been overwhelming despite their high prices,\u201d said Sajjad, as he carefully measured out Dhaki and Punjgor dates for customers.
\nHe added that these local varieties have seen a surge in popularity due to their exceptional taste and energy-boosting properties. The fact that these dates are more affordable than international varieties like Ajwa or Iranian dates has only added to their appeal.
\nAccording to Fazal Wahab Khan, Director of Agriculture Research in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan is the fifth-largest producer of dates globally, after Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
\nPakistan\u2019s fertile land and favorable climate have made it an ideal location for dates cultivation, with the regions of DI Khan, Kech, and Panjgur producing some of the finest varieties.
\n\u201cApproximately 60 types of dates are produced in Balochistan alone,\u201d said Wahab Khan, explaining that Dhaki dates from DI Khan are especially sought after for their unique flavor. Pakistan currently produces between 550,000 and 650,000 metric tons of dates annually, and with the right financial incentives for farmers, this production could easily increase.
\nPakistan\u2019s dates aren\u2019t just popular in local markets\u2014they are making waves in the Gulf states as well. Due to their affordability and distinctive taste, Pakistani dates are quickly becoming a favorite among international buyers. \u201cDemand from the Gulf has increased significantly,\u201d Wahab Khan added.
\nWhile the fruit\u2019s popularity is boosting local businesses like Sajjad\u2019s, its health benefits are also a key factor in its demand during Ramadan.
\nDr. Ziaullah Khan, head of the medical ward at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, recommended that people consume at least five dates at Iftar. Dates are an excellent source of natural sugar, helping to quickly replenish blood sugar levels after a day of fasting.
\n\u201cDates are easy to digest, so they don\u2019t overload the stomach. They also help reduce the sensation of extreme hunger, which can lead to overeating and digestive issues,\u201d said Dr. Ziaullah Khan.
\nHe also highlighted the numerous health benefits of dates for pregnant and lactating women, as they help to strengthen the muscles of the womb and support overall maternal and newborn health.
\nThe demand for dates has led to a visible rush in fruit markets across Peshawar, especially at popular locations like Gul Bhar, Firdus, and Qissa Khwani Bazaar during Ramazan.
\nDespite their high prices, dates are in such demand that many customers are willing to pay the extra cost. For instance, the price of Muzafati dates has increased this year to Rs420-440 per kilogram, compared to Rs400-420 last year. Dhaki dates, a local favorite, are now priced between Rs440-460 per kilogram in Peshawar, a sharp rise from Rs380-400 last year.
\n\u201cI bought six kilograms of dates today, including two kilograms of Dhaki dates as a special gift for my daughters,\u201d said Fayaz Khan, a retired WAPDA employee from Peshawar.
\nHe added that while the prices are steep, he considers dates a necessary part of his Iftar spread. Others like Riazul Haq, a former teacher, shared similar sentiments. \u201cAjwa dates are my absolute favorite, but we\u2019ve had to scale back this year due to the rising prices,\u201d he said.
\nThe increase in date prices has sparked concerns among consumers in KP, who are urging authorities to take action to control the price hikes.
\nDespite these challenges, the enduring popularity of dates as a nutritious, energizing, and culturally significant food during Ramadan shows that Pakistan\u2019s dates industry is flourishing.
\nAs demand continues to grow both domestically and internationally, Pakistan\u2019s position as a major player in the global date market seems poised to expand.
\nWhether for their taste, health benefits, or cultural significance, dates from Pakistan are indeed a hidden gem in the world of dates.
\nThe experts urged Govt to give special incentives and loans to promote its farming for economic growth and development.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR Sajjad Khan, a 42-year-old dates vendor from Nowshera District, is finding himself all smiles this Ramadan. A once struggling small business owner, Sajjad is now making the most of the lucrative dates market in Peshawar, where the fruit is flying off the shelves faster than he can stock it. Assisted by his two sons […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-465163","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n