Pakistani dates are selling like hot cakes in Baramulla district in occupied Kashmir in the holy month of Ramazan and locals are savouring these dates and preferring them over other varieties imported from different Indian states. According to Kashmir Media Service, in Baramulla town most people prefer Pakistani yellow dates to other varieties imported from different Indian states.
The main Pakistani variety of dates sold here was Dokka. The sale of these dates provides a major source of income for vendors who otherwise sell fruits and other eatables. However, the vendors seem a little worried, as the supply of these dates had been stopped from across the LoC.
"Theses dates have a huge demand. We sell these at Rs 80 per kg but despite its higher cost compared to the Indian dates, people prefer these dates. I sold more than 110 kg dates during the past four days," said Shabir Ahmad, a vendor. "With the introduction of Pakistani dates and their huge demand, we were hopeful of better income but we have heard that India has put a ban on some items including Pakistani dates. If that happens, our sales will surely decline. We are also apprehensive that the stocks may finish within a couple of days."
Traders were also worried, as the government of India had banned the exchange of many items from across the Line of Control. More than 20 trucks of Pakistani dates had reached the Valley markets so far. "When they feel there is a scope for Pakistani dates, the department concerned put a ban on the import of dates from across the LoC. Same is the case with pulses," said Peer Akhtar, General Secretary, Salamabad-Chakoti Traders Union.
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