PESHAWAR
\nAs the holy month of Ramazan approaches, the aroma and allure of dates have taken over Peshawar and Nowshera bustling fruit markets, bringing smiles to traders and drawing crowds of eager buyers.
\nMusawar Khan (30), a modest dates seller from DI Khan, is among those reaping the seasonal rewards. Busy like a honeybee at historic Qissakhwani Bazaar in Peshawar; Musawar Ali who is assisted by his brother struggles to keep up with demand as his entire stock sells out daily.
\n\u201cAll varieties are selling like hot cakes despite higher prices this year,\u201d Musawar told APP while weighing dates on a hand scale, the sun setting behind the Khyber Hills. \u201cPakistani Dhaki and Panjgur dates are in great demand because of their mouth-watering taste and high energy these days.\u201d
\nWearing a traditional turban, the motivated vendor said interest from traders and consumers has surged, with demand from Gulf countries also increasing. \u201cOur dates are affordable compared to Ajwa and Iranian varieties, yet unmatched in taste,\u201d he added.
\nFazal Wahab Khan, Director Agriculture Research Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said demand for dates traditionally rises with the arrival of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak.
\n\u201cPakistan is the fifth-largest producer of dates in the world after Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE,\u201d he said, attributing the country\u2019s ranking to fertile land and a favorable climate.
\nHe said more than 60 varieties of dates are produced in the Makran division of Balochistan, with fresh stock now reaching KP markets. \u201cDhaki dates of DI Khan and those produced in Kech and Panjgur districts enjoy extraordinary popularity.
\nNearly 45 percent of dates consumed in Pakistan come from these regions.\u201d According to him, about 150,000 tonnes of dates are produced annually in Turbat and Kech over 24,200 hectares. Overall, Pakistan produces between 550,000 and 650,000 metric tonnes of dates each year. \u201cProduction can be increased further by providing financial incentives to growers,\u201d he added.
\nDr Malik Riaz Khan, Head of the Medical Ward at Government Hospital Pabbi, highlighted the health benefits of dates, recommending their regular consumption. \u201cEating at least five dates daily helps restore blood sugar levels and provides instant energy,\u201d he said. \u201cLow blood sugar is a common cause of headaches and dizziness, which is why dates are especially beneficial ahead of Ramazan.\u201d
\nHe said dates are easy to digest, reduce excessive hunger, and help prevent overeating that leads to digestive disorders. \u201cThey prepare the stomach for food by activating digestive secretions,\u201d he explained.
\nCiting scientific studies, Dr Riaz said dates are particularly beneficial for pregnant women and lactating mothers, as they strengthen womb muscles, ease delivery and support newborn health.
\nAcross Peshawar, dates outlets have witnessed a massive influx of buyers. Markets including Gul Bhar, Firdus, Hashtnagri, Chamkani, Faqirabad, Board, Tehkal, Cantonment, Pishtakhara, Kohat Road, Dalazak Road and historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar are flooded with local and imported varieties.
\n\u201cDhaki kajoor is my first choice for iftar,\u201d said Qaiser Khan, a retired WAPDA employee from Wapda Town. \u201cI bought six kilograms includes two kilos each for my married daughters as a special Ramazan gift.\u201d
\nDespite rising prices, dates remain an essential part of the Ramazan dastarkhwan. This year, Muzafati dates are selling at Rs420\u2013440 per kilogram compared to Rs400\u2013420 last year, while Iranian dates have risen to Rs280\u2013300 per kg from Rs260. Dhaki dates from DI Khan are being sold at Rs440\u2013460 per kg, up from Rs380\u2013400 last year.
\n\u201cAjwa dates are expensive but my iftar is incomplete without them,\u201d said Sindas Bibi, a lecturer, at Hashtnagri Bazaar. \u201cI prefer Ajwa for its taste and health benefits, though my family favors Dhaki dates.\u201d
\nPanjgur dates are also gaining popularity for their quality and nutritional value. \u201cI wanted to buy four kilograms for my sister, but could afford only two due to high prices,\u201d Sundas added.
\nConsumers urged district administrations to strictly monitor prices of essential food items, including dates, ahead of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak to facilitate the public amid rising inflation in KP.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR As the holy month of Ramazan approaches, the aroma and allure of dates have taken over Peshawar and Nowshera bustling fruit markets, bringing smiles to traders and drawing crowds of eager buyers. Musawar Khan (30), a modest dates seller from DI Khan, is among those reaping the seasonal rewards. Busy like a honeybee at […]<\/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-530401","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n