ISLAMABAD, Feb 20 (ABC): The Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP) plans to establish a state-of-the-art dates processing, storage, and packaging facility in Khairpur district of Sindh to strengthen the country’s date industry.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the project carries an estimated cost of Rs998.97 million. The government has proposed an allocation of Rs250 million for the financial year 2026-27.

The project will begin after approval from the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives. The Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company (TUSDEC) under MoIP will supervise its execution.

Modern technology to reduce losses

The facility will introduce advanced technologies for cleaning, grading, pitting, processing, packaging, and cold storage of dates. As a result, post-harvest losses will decline and fruit quality will improve.

Moreover, the project will help local growers meet international standards and compete in high-end global markets. It will also create new employment opportunities in the region.

Support for SMEs and capacity building

The initiative will encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to produce value-added by-products such as date paste, syrup, and confectionery items. In addition, the project includes technical training and capacity-building programs for farmers and workers. These measures aim to enhance productivity and improve quality standards.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Khairpur, said the project will add significant value to the date industry, particularly in Sindh where Khairpur serves as a major production hub.

She said modern processing, storage, and packaging facilities will reduce post-harvest losses and improve quality in line with international benchmarks.

She added that the initiative will boost export potential, generate employment, and strengthen the supply chain. According to her, the project is essential to sustain and modernize Sindh’s date industry.

The MNA further said the new facility will help farmers secure better prices, promote agro-based industrialization, and support economic growth through higher foreign exchange earnings.