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Pakistan’s fruit export earnings nearly double to Rs86bn in 10 years

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 02 (ABC): Pakistan’s fruit export earnings have nearly doubled over the past decade, rising from Rs44.6 billion in 2015-16 to Rs86.0 billion in 2024-25.

Official trade data from the Ministry of Finance, available with Wealth Pakistan, shows that fruit export volumes stood at 677,000 tonnes in 2015-16. These shipments generated Rs44.6 billion in export receipts.

Early setback due to floods

In 2016-17, export volumes declined to 646,000 tonnes, down 4.6% year-on-year. Earnings also fell to Rs39.9 billion.

Above-average rainfall from March to September 2016 triggered flash floods in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. The floods damaged orchards, standing crops, and rural infrastructure. As a result, fruit output declined during the period.

Strong recovery phase

Exports recovered in 2017-18. Volumes rose to 697,000 tonnes, while earnings improved to Rs43.8 billion.

The upward trend continued in 2018-19. Export volumes increased to 756,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, export value climbed to Rs56.3 billion, marking nearly 28% growth in earnings.

In 2019-20, shipments reached 798,000 tonnes. Export receipts also increased to Rs67.8 billion. This period marked two consecutive years of expansion in both quantity and value.

Peak year in 2020-21

A major surge occurred in 2020-21. Shipments jumped to 975,000 tonnes, the highest level recorded in the decade. Export value also rose to Rs76.8 billion.

Compared to 2015-16, export volumes during this peak year were higher by nearly 44%.

Volume decline but higher value

However, 2021-22 saw a sharp drop in shipments. Exports fell to 622,000 tonnes, down more than 36% from the previous year.

Despite lower volumes, export earnings increased to Rs84.4 billion. This trend indicates a significant rise in export value per tonne.

In 2022-23, volumes remained subdued at 629,000 tonnes. Export value declined to Rs68.8 billion. During 2022, the worst floods in decades inundated vast farmland and affected millions of acres of crops.

Record earnings in 2023-24

Exports rebounded strongly in 2023-24. Shipment volumes rose to 928,000 tonnes. More importantly, export earnings surged to a record Rs97.1 billion, the highest level in the 10-year period.

Compared to 2015-16, export earnings in 2023-24 more than doubled.

Latest year shows lower volumes

In 2024-25, export volumes declined sharply to 579,000 tonnes, the lowest level of the decade. However, export receipts remained strong at Rs86.0 billion, despite a 37% drop in quantity from the previous year.

Decade-long trend

Over the past 10 years, fruit export volumes fluctuated between 579,000 and 975,000 tonnes. In contrast, export value showed a consistent upward trajectory.

Overall, export earnings increased by nearly 93% during the decade. The data suggests that while shipment volumes remained volatile, fruit export revenues strengthened substantially.

53% of trainees secure jobs under NAVTTC skill programs

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ISLAMABAD, Mar 02 (ABC): Fresh performance data from the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) shows that 53% of trainees have secured jobs under major national skill development programs. The figures highlight the growing impact of government-backed technical training on youth employability.

According to official tracer studies available with Wealth Pakistan, 53% of individuals trained under the Skills for All Program in 2023 were employed at the time of the survey. Meanwhile, 47% were still seeking work. The study tracked 37,440 graduates who completed training during the year.

Income levels show positive trends

The income data presents encouraging results. Among employed trainees, 38% reported earning more than Rs 50,000 per month. Another 18% earned between Rs 31,000 and Rs 50,000 per month.

These figures suggest that technical training not only improves employment chances but also enhances income prospects for skilled youth entering the job market.

PMYSDP records similar employment rate

A separate tracer study reviewed the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program (PMYSDP) Batch-I. The survey tracked 51,692 trainees who completed training in 2024.

The findings showed the same employment outcome. Around 53% of trainees secured jobs, while 47% remained unemployed at the time of assessment.

NAVTTC plans to launch the tracer study for PMYSDP Batch-II soon. This batch includes nearly 77,000 trainees.

Policy impact and future direction

The latest data confirms the strong role of structured vocational training in strengthening workforce productivity. It also highlights the need to improve industry linkages. Stronger partnerships with employers can help reduce unemployment among graduates.

Policymakers are likely to use this performance assessment to guide future reforms and funding decisions for technical and vocational education programs across the country.

Pak-Korea solar testing lab to launch commercial operations in 2026

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 26 (ABC): The Pak-Korea solar testing lab will launch commercial operations in 2026 as it moves to secure ISO/IEC-17025 accreditation from the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC). This step will strengthen quality assurance in Pakistan’s fast-growing solar market and improve oversight of solar panel imports and local production.

Fully operational testing facility

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Pakistan-Korea PV Module Testing Laboratory has become fully operational. Engineers have installed and commissioned advanced equipment at the facility. The lab can now conduct up to 40 different technical tests on solar panels.

These tests evaluate photovoltaic (PV) modules according to internationally recognized standards. As a result, manufacturers and importers can verify product quality before market entry.

Accreditation process underway

The lab will apply for ISO/IEC-17025 accreditation in May 2026. Officials scheduled the final phase of specialized training in Korea for March-April 2026. After completing this training, the management will formally submit the accreditation request.

Authorities expect PNAC to complete the accreditation process by mid-2026. Once PNAC grants accreditation, the lab will issue internationally acceptable test reports.

Strengthening regulatory enforcement

Accredited local testing will allow regulators to enforce quality standards more effectively. It will also reduce reliance on foreign laboratories and shorten compliance timelines.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) plans to add solar panels to its mandatory certification list. This move will help prevent substandard solar products from entering the local market. It will also protect consumers from low-quality equipment.

The Pak-Korea solar testing lab will support this process by providing accredited test reports. Consequently, regulators will gain stronger compliance tools, and market transparency will improve.

Boost for investment and exports

Industry stakeholders believe the lab will enhance investor confidence in Pakistan’s renewable energy sector. Reliable local testing will encourage domestic manufacturing. It will also help producers meet international standards more easily.

Moreover, internationally recognized certification may strengthen the export potential of Pakistan’s solar equipment industry. Manufacturers will find it easier to access foreign markets when products meet global benchmarks.

A milestone for solar quality assurance

The launch and accreditation of the Pak-Korea solar testing lab mark a major step for Pakistan’s renewable energy sector. The facility will improve product reliability, strengthen consumer protection, and align Pakistan’s solar infrastructure with global quality standards as the country expands its solar capacity.

NAVTTC upgrading 12 model TVET institutes in Balochistan

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 27 (ABC): The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), in collaboration with the European Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is upgrading 12 model Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes in Balochistan to strengthen skills development in the province.

The initiative focuses on modernizing training infrastructure. NAVTTC is equipping the selected TVET institutes with advanced tools, modern machinery, and updated equipment. The move aims to improve the quality of technical and vocational education across Balochistan.

Centres of excellence to boost advanced skills

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, NAVTTC is setting up three centres of excellence in Quetta and at Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal. These centres will promote advanced skills, innovation, and industry-oriented training.

The centres will help align the local workforce with market demand. They will also support modern technical training in key sectors.

China-supported upgrades in training centres

The document states that China has supported the upgrade of several technical training centres in Balochistan. Authorities have installed heavy-duty generators, modern computer systems, and improved furniture in these centres.

These upgrades are creating a more professional and supportive learning environment for students enrolled in TVET institutes.

Industry-led training for better employability

NAVTTC has also funded Balochistan TEVTA to train 300 candidates under a cluster-based, industry-led training program. This program links training institutes directly with industry needs.

By connecting training with market demand, NAVTTC aims to improve job readiness among graduates. The initiative promotes practical skills that match employer requirements.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Executive Director NAVTTC Muhammad Amir Jan said the upgrading of TVET institutes will enhance youth employability in Balochistan. He added that the initiative will strengthen industrial productivity and support sustainable economic growth in the province.

He said the focus on modern training infrastructure and market-driven skills reflects a broader strategy. The strategy seeks to position Balochistan as a strong contributor to Pakistan’s skilled workforce.

6,252 trainees targeted under PM program

The document also shows that under the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program (Batch-II) 2024-25, authorities have allocated 186 institutes across Balochistan. These institutes will train 6,252 trainees in multiple sectors.

Information Technology has the largest share, with 69 institutes and a target of 3,125 trainees. Manufacturing and Textile include 38 institutes with a target of 920 trainees.

Aesthetics, Health Care and Services cover 31 institutes with 700 trainees. Agriculture includes 14 institutes with a target of 535 trainees.

Construction and Electrical/Energy trades include 10 institutes targeting 280 trainees. Languages also include 10 institutes with 220 trainees.

Mines and Mineral Industry cover 6 institutes with 224 trainees. Banking and Finance include 4 institutes with 140 trainees. HMO and Driving Trades comprise 4 institutes with a target of 108 trainees.

Through these steps, NAVTTC is strengthening the TVET system in Balochistan. The upgrading of 12 model TVET institutes reflects a focused effort to expand skills development and improve employment opportunities in the province.

10,000 govt officials receiving training in AI skills

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (ABC): The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom (MoITT) has launched training for 10,000 government officials in artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen digital literacy across public sector institutions. The initiative forms a central part of the capacity-building strategy under the National AI Policy.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the ministry has started specialized AI training workshops in collaboration with leading industry partners. These workshops aim to equip government officials with practical and future-ready AI skills. Through structured sessions, participants will learn how to apply artificial intelligence tools in governance and public administration.

Curriculum reform and teacher training included

Under the programme, MoITT has also initiated revisions in the student curriculum. The ministry is working with the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to align academic content with the evolving demands of the AI era. This step aims to ensure that future graduates enter the workforce with relevant digital and AI competencies.

The initiative also covers educator training. More than 350 educators are already part of the capacity-building scheme. In addition, 650 teachers will receive training under the “training of trainers” model. This approach will expand outreach and ensure sustainable knowledge transfer within the education system.

Expansion of AI courses and professional upskilling

The National AI Policy also includes a digital skill expansion programme. Under this plan, authorities will introduce 25 new courses focused on prompt engineering and AI tools. The programme will also train 7,500 individuals under the cod4AI initiative, which emphasizes full-stack AI and deep learning skills.

Furthermore, the scheme targets the upskilling of 2,000 professionals by 2028. This structured roadmap aims to create a strong pipeline of AI talent across different sectors.

International collaboration and scholarships

The ministry will collaborate with international partners such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Meta, the United Nations, Huawei, and ZTE to support AI training programmes. These partnerships will enhance technical expertise and global exposure for participants.

China will also provide scholarships at 25 leading Chinese universities through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. This support will enable advanced AI studies and research opportunities for Pakistani students and professionals.

Strengthening governance through AI integration

The initiative seeks to improve decision-making, service delivery, and data management in government departments. Officials trained in AI will be able to automate routine processes, analyze large datasets, and design citizen-centric digital solutions.

By integrating artificial intelligence skills into the public sector, the ministry aims to promote innovation, efficiency, and transparency in governance. The programme will also build coordination among academia, industry, and government institutions.

Through sustained AI training and institutional readiness, Pakistan aims to move towards a knowledge-based digital economy driven by emerging technologies.

Jalalpur Canal to irrigate 174,000 acres of arid land in Jhelum, Khushab

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LAHORE, Feb 24 (ABC): The Jalalpur Irrigation Project, widely known as the Jalalpur Canal, will be completed by December 2027. The project will benefit about 384,000 people in 80 villages of Jhelum and Khushab districts.

The Jalalpur Canal will divert water from the Jhelum River to irrigate barren land in the tehsils of Pind Dadan Khan and Khushab. The canal lies along the right bank of the Jhelum River. It is a seasonal irrigation system that will operate from April to October.

The project includes an intake structure, a 117-kilometre main canal, 23 distributaries, and 10 minor canals. The total network will stretch over 210 kilometres. Authorities will also construct 485 tertiary-level watercourses and related infrastructure.

“The waters in the canal will irrigate 174,000 acres in the districts of Jhelum and Khushab, lying in the arid zone,” said Engr Waheed Ashraf, Project Director of the Jalalpur Irrigation Project.

He told Wealth Pakistan that authorities laid the foundation stone in December 2019. After completion, the Jalalpur Canal will increase Kharif crop intensity by 50 percent. The Asian Development Bank is financing the project. Officials expect it to enhance agricultural productivity in the region.

The concept of the Jalalpur Canal dates back to 1898. Engineers kept provisions for a future canal during the construction of the Rasul Barrage between 1898 and 1901. They maintained the same provisions during the barrage’s reconstruction in 1967 under the Indus Waters Treaty framework.

Planners also incorporated the canal into infrastructure planning during the construction of the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway. They provided a crossing near the Lillah Interchange.

Authorities conducted the first feasibility study in 1992-93 and updated it in 2010. They carried out a fresh feasibility assessment from March 2014 to November 2015. A topographic survey followed in 2016.

Water experts believe the Jalalpur Canal will transform the region. In addition to supplying irrigation water, it will improve groundwater quality. At present, groundwater remains brackish due to the area’s proximity to the Salt Range.

“The level of water will rise because of the canal and the area will become fertile,” Dr Ghulam Zakir Hassan Sial, Director of the Irrigation Research Institute (IRI), Punjab, told Wealth Pakistan. He said canal water will recharge and improve the aquifer, which is currently saline.

Pind Dadan Khan tehsil lies between the Salt Range and the Jhelum River. The area has long faced salinity and brackish flash floods from the salt-rich hills. High natural salt concentrations have damaged thousands of acres of farmland. Residents also face serious drinking water shortages due to saline subsoil water.

Experts say surface water from the Jalalpur Canal will boost agricultural output and improve living standards. By turning a rain-dependent area into an irrigated agricultural zone, the canal will support socio-economic uplift in Jhelum and Khushab.

Govt plans Rs39.76m project to train 3,920 workers in OSH

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (ABC): The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has proposed a Rs39.76 million project to train 3,920 workers in occupational safety and health (OSH), aiming to improve workplace standards in high-risk and export-oriented sectors.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the project titled “Capacity Building of Workers/Employees Regarding Occupational Safety and Health” will run from July 2026 to June 2028.

3,920 workers to receive OSH training

The ministry plans to provide structured OSH training to 3,920 workers and employees working in high-risk industries. It will also prepare six master trainers through Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions to ensure continuity of the programme.

Officials say the project will help reduce workplace accidents and improve compliance with national and international safety standards. As part of the initiative, authorities will conduct 30 workplace inspections and safety audits during the two-year period.

The ministry has identified construction and infrastructure, health services, food, drink and tobacco industries, oil and gas production and refining, basic metal production, and brick kilns as priority sectors. These sectors face higher occupational risks and contribute significantly to export activity.

Focus on accident prevention and compliance

The document highlights workplace accidents, weak safety awareness, and limited institutional capacity as key challenges. The proposed project seeks to address these gaps through structured training, awareness campaigns, and institutional strengthening.

The ministry will develop standardized OSH curricula and training materials for consistent delivery. It will also organize seminars and workshops to promote safety awareness among employers and workers.

The initiative includes digital outreach activities to disseminate safety guidelines and best practices. Training modules will also cover emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and mental health awareness.

Economic and international significance

Officials expect the project to deliver economic and social benefits. Improved occupational safety can reduce workplace injuries and occupational diseases. It can also increase productivity and lower compensation and insurance costs for employers.

The initiative supports Pakistan’s commitments under International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions No. 155 and 187 on occupational safety and health. It also strengthens compliance with labour-related obligations under the European Union’s GSP+ scheme, which covers a significant share of Pakistan’s exports.

By improving OSH standards in export-oriented sectors, the government aims to enhance worker protection and reinforce international confidence in Pakistan’s labour practices.

Ministry proposes LMRC to boost overseas employment planning

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (ABC): The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD) has proposed establishing a Labour Market Research Cell (LMRC) to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in labour migration and employment planning.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the ministry plans to set up the LMRC as a centralized, secure, and scalable IT-based Labour Market Information and Analytics Hub. The proposal carries an indicative budget of Rs425 million for a two-year period from July 2026 to June 2028.

Centralized labour market intelligence hub

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development will sponsor the project, while the ministry and its allied entities will execute it. These entities include the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE), Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF).

The document notes that Pakistan’s labour migration landscape involves multiple federal and provincial institutions, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, private sector actors, and international organizations. As a result, data often remains fragmented across departments.

Key stakeholders include OP&HRD, BE&OE, OEC, OPF, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), and provincial Technical Education and Vocational Training Authorities (TEVTAs).

Within this ecosystem, the LMRC will act as a central analytical and intelligence layer rather than an operational body. Specifically, it will consolidate and analyze data generated across institutions and convert it into policy-relevant labour market intelligence.

Data integration and analytical outputs

Under the proposed structure, the LMRC will integrate emigration and overseas employment data with macroeconomic indicators and labour force statistics. In addition, it will incorporate return migration data, border movement records, remittance and investment account information, household and labour force surveys, SDG-related indicators, job-matching platform data, and datasets from relevant international organizations.

Consequently, the cell will generate analytical outputs on labour supply and demand trends, destination- and sector-specific skills demand, skills gap assessments, wage patterns, employer profiles, recruitment practices, and reintegration trends.

These insights will support bilateral labour negotiations, skills development planning, migrant protection strategies, employer engagement frameworks, and parliamentary oversight.

IT infrastructure and budget allocation

The indicative budget of Rs425 million covers both one-time capital expenditures and recurring annual costs over two years.

One-time costs include system design, architecture development, hardware procurement, infrastructure setup, and initial data standardization. Meanwhile, recurring expenses cover human resources, software licenses, hosting and cybersecurity, continuous data enhancement, capacity building, and seminars.

The ministry has outlined a three-phase implementation timeline. First, authorities will complete system design and infrastructure setup. Next, they will integrate data and develop dashboards. Finally, they will operationalize and scale the platform.

Expected economic impact

The proposal anticipates that the LMRC will create a centralized digital platform integrated with allied departments. Moreover, it expects improved evidence-based policy formulation, reduced data fragmentation, and stronger analytical foundations for labour market reforms.

Furthermore, better data integration can help align training institutions with foreign job market demand. It can also strengthen bilateral labour agreements and memoranda of understanding with emerging markets.

The document projects that improved data-driven planning and increased skilled workforce outflow could generate an additional $5 to $10 billion annually in remittances.

Use of mango bags likely to hit 10m in 2026 as export prices jump 70%

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (ABC): The use of mango bags is likely to reach nearly 10 million in 2026 as export prices for protected fruit have jumped around 70%, reflecting strong industry confidence in the quality-enhancement technique.

The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) introduced mango bags to cut post-harvest losses, improve fruit quality, and expand access to premium export markets.

Technique strengthens export potential

“This mango protection method has proved a breakthrough for growers and exporters alike,” Khawar Nadeem, Manager Agri Products PHDEC, told Wealth Pakistan.

Pakistan produces around 1.8 million tonnes of mangoes annually. However, the country exports only about 150,000 tonnes, or 8.3% of total output. Growers lose a significant portion of exportable fruit due to pests, blemishes, and poor handling. As a result, Pakistan struggles to penetrate high-end international markets.

To tackle these challenges, PHDEC introduced fruit-protection bags that cover hanging mangoes for 30 to 45 days. The bags protect the fruit from fruit flies, dust, and sunburn. Moreover, growers now rely less on pesticide sprays. Consequently, exporters receive fruit with better colour, improved cleanliness, and stronger market acceptance in Europe, America, and Japan.

Export prices surge by 70%

The price difference clearly shows the impact of mango bags. A 5kg pack of non-bagged mangoes usually sells for $17 to $18 in international markets. In contrast, the same quantity of bagged mangoes can fetch up to $30. Therefore, growers can earn nearly 70% more for protected fruit.

Initially, farmers hesitated to adopt the new method. Nevertheless, PHDEC launched a pilot phase to build confidence.

“We started by distributing 150,000 bags among 25 to 30 growers in Sindh and Punjab. Gradually, as farmers saw the difference in quality and prices, their response changed,” Khawar said.

In 2022, PHDEC distributed 200,000 mango bags free of cost in Punjab and Sindh. Similarly, it supplied the same number in 2023 and 2024. By 2025, growers and exporters purchased one million bags on their own. This shift clearly indicates commercial acceptance of the technique.

Looking ahead, industry stakeholders expect usage to surge further. “We project the use of mango bags to reach nearly 10 million in the coming season,” Khawar added.

Local production can reduce costs

Currently, importers source mango bags from China at around Rs6 per bag. However, growers want local manufacturers to start producing the bags. Local production can reduce costs and improve access, especially for small farmers. In addition, domestic manufacturing can create new business opportunities within the horticulture value chain.

Pakistan ranks as the fifth-largest mango producer in the world. Mango remains the country’s second-largest fruit crop and plays a vital role in horticulture exports.

Govt plans advanced dates processing plant in Khairpur

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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.