03/07/2025
A Promising Start for Tosha Basra Dates at Agriculture Research Institute D.I.Khan:
Today marks a significant milestone in date palm research. Renowned experts Professor Dr. Ahmad Khan Baloch, Assistant Professor Dr. Atiq Ahmad Alizai, and Director Abdul Qayyum Khan visited the Food Technology Section at the Agriculture Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan. During their visit, the region's first early-ripening date variety, " Tosha Basra ," officially began to ripen. Native to D.I. Khan, this variety holds great promise. The guests praised the taste, appearance, and quality of the freshly ripened dates. Tosha Basra is ideal for both fresh consumption and drying. When dried, it turns a rich black color, closely resembling famous Saudi varieties like Kalmi/Safawi, making it well-suited for both local and export markets.
These dates are currently being tested in the Hybrid Solar Tunnel Dryer, developed by Dr. Shahzada Arshad Saleem Saddozai. This eco-friendly technology enhances quality, shelf life, and food safety, while supporting better incomes for farmers.
The date season, which began on July 3 and continues until September 15, brings fresh opportunities and renewed prosperity to the agricultural sector of D.I. Khan marking a major step forward for Pakistan’s date palm industry.
