Pakistan is one of the world’s largest producers of dates, with over 250 varieties or types of dates grown in the country. The country’s favorable climate, fertile soil, and suitable growing conditions make it an ideal place for date cultivation. Dates palms are grown in all four provinces of Pakistan, with Sindh and Baluchistan being the leading producers of multiple varieties of dates.
Dates Growing Areas of Pakistan
The Dates are grown in the following areas of Pakistan:
- • Baluchistan: Turbat & Panjgoor
- • Sindh: Khairpur & Sukkur
- • Punjab: Muzaffargarh, D.G Khan & Jhang
- • KPK: D.I. Khan
Dates in Pakistan
Let’s take a closer look at the various types of dates grown in Pakistan. The main types of dates grown in different regions of Pakistan are as follows:
- Aseel dates
- Fasli dates
- Bj dates
- Khahraba (Carba) dates
- Rabbi dates
- Halawi dates
- Zahidi dates
- Dhakki dates
Aseel Dates
Aseel Dates: Aseel dates are superior quality dates produced mainly in Khairpur and Sukkur, Sindh. It is important to note that they are radish and dark brown in color, have more flesh, and a longer shelf life. Furthermore, these dates are known for their sweet taste and are enriched with energy value. Aseel has always been awarded as an excellent variety among all the Pakistani Dates in the international dates market.
Fasli Dates
Fasli Dates: Fasli dates come from Sukkur and Khairpur, Sindh. In fact, these dates are mainly categorized as industrial-grade dates due to their size, shape, and other characteristics. They have a shorter shelf life than other varieties and are used primarily in industrial processes.
Begum Jangi (BJ) Dates
Begum Jangi (BJ) Dates: Begum Jangi dates are the premier quality dates variety of Baluchistan province. However, these dates are identical in look and shape to Aseel but are smaller in size with a low level of moisture content. They are produced mainly in the Panjgoor and Turbat districts of Baluchistan.
Khahraba (Carba) Dates
Khahraba (Carba) Dates: Khahraba dates are smaller in size but sweeter and have a lower moisture level. In fact, these dates come from the Panjgoor and Mushkay areas of Baluchistan province from September 22 to October 31.
Rabbi or Baluchistan Rabbi (BR) Dates
Rabbi or Baluchistan Rabbi (BR) Dates: Rabbi or Baluchistan Rabbi (BR) dates are also grown in the Mashkail area of Baluchistan province.
Halawi Dates
Halawi Dates: Halawi dates are produced in Muzaffargarh, D.G Khan & Jhang, the districts of Punjab province. Furthermore, this type of date is sweet, sticky, semi-soft, and moist. Indeed, it is higher on the sweetness scale than many other dates, with a caramel color and undertone.
Zahidi Dates
Zahidi Dates: Zahidi dates are also from the date-growing areas of Baluchistan and Punjab, being semi-dry and less intense than some varieties, but still on the sweet side.
Dhakki Dates
Dhakki Dates: Dhakki dates of Dera Ismail Khan, KPK province, have a specific market due to their unique taste and size.
Dates Processing Industry in Pakistan
Pakistan’s date industry produces a wide range of date products, including pitted dates, diced/chopped dates, decapped dates, date paste, macerated dates, block-pressed dates, dates energy bars, and stuffed dates with dried fruit and nuts like almond, pistachio, walnuts, and peanuts. Moreover, these products are produced at processing plants throughout Pakistan and are exported to various countries worldwide.
Pakistan’s date industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. As a matter of fact, the country’s favorable climate and growing conditions make it an ideal place for date cultivation. In fact, over 250 varieties of dates are grown in the country. From Aseel dates to Dhakki dates, Pakistan’s diverse range of dates offers a variety of flavors and textures for people to enjoy. Additionally, the country’s date industry produces a wide range of date products for export, making it a major player in the global dates market.