PHDEC and DPRI, SALU Jointly Host Workshop on Farmers’ Skills and Date Palm Value Chain Development

PHDEC and DPRI, SALU Jointly Host Workshop on Farmers’ Skills and Date Palm Value Chain Development
Press Release
Dated : 26-6-25
A one-day workshop titled “Farmers’ Skills Development and Value Chain in Date Palm Sector” was held at the Date Palm Research Institute, Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, in collaboration with the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC).
Dr. M. Azeem Khan from PHDEC, the TADAP Team, Shaista Baloch President of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, Kaleemullah Abbasi, Najeebullah Abbasi, Hafiz A. Haleem and his team, along with a women’s delegation from Balochistan, also attended the workshop. In addition, faculty members and researchers from Shah Abdul Latif University actively participated, enriching the event with their insights and academic contributions.
The event brought together farmers, landowners, agricultural experts, students, and stakeholders to discuss the modernization of Pakistan’s date palm sector, particularly in Khairpur, renowned as the country’s date capital.
Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk, Vice Chancellor of SALU, highlighted the importance of modern farming practices, post-harvest processing, and branding to increase farmers’ income and global market presence. Describing dates as “a metaphor for civilization,” he called for renewed efforts to uplift local producers through skill development and value chain enhancement.
On behalf of PHDEC, the officials emphasized their commitment to strengthening horticulture exports and aligning farming practices with international standards. They encouraged capacity-building programs to equip farmers with tools for improved productivity.
The workshop featured valuable technical insights from leading experts:
• Dr. Mumtaz Saand, Chairman, Department of Botany, spoke on value addition techniques crucial for improving product quality and shelf life.
• Dr. Ameer Ali Mirbhar, from the Date Palm Research Institute, presented best practices for modern cultivation and disease control.
• Mushtaque Ali Soomro, senior agriculturalist, provided a historical perspective on date farming in Sindh and the evolution of market trends.
• Dr. Syed Allah Dino Shah offered an analytical overview of agro-economics and policy gaps affecting the sector’s growth.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to research, innovation, and youth engagement to transform the date palm sector into a globally competitive industry.
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Dr. Sahib Oad
Department of Media Studies
Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur Mir’s