Prices of fresh dates have skyrocketed in the range of Rs 1800 to Rs 2000 per 40 kg in the wholesale market while the holy month of Ramazan is about a fortnight away.
"Wholesalers are charging Rs 1800 to Rs 2000 for 40 kg of fresh dates in the Khairpur Khajoor (date) Market here, which are very high rates", sources in Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Board (PHDEB) said, showing concern while talking to Business Recorder here on Friday.
They said this rising trend in the prices of fresh dates was not understandable in view of the fact that it is peak season of dates when prices should stand be a lower level in the local markets. "This season factor should have effect on the rates of fresh dates from almost 10 to 15 percent", they added. They, however, hinted at stability in the prices of fresh dates during Ramazan which would coincide with peak season of this most potential horticultural commodity.
"Price stability for fresh dates can be expected during Ramzan this year because this is the peak of season for dates", they said. Harvesting season for dates, which is understood to be one of the most nutritious and medicinal fruits, starts in mid-July and lasts to September-end.
Sources said that dates prices were likely to come down as different varieties of dates, like Begum Jangi and others, reach the market. "So far, the Khairpur-based Aseel has reached the markets which has taken the prices up due to its best quality but other varieties of low quality would bring them down", they said.
They, however, expressed concern that prices may not stabilise if measures were not taken to deal with the profiteers and hoarders, who are always a hurdle in the government's price control efforts.
"Fluctuation and variations in prices can not be ruled out as some black sheep always remain active to exploit the situation, particularly during Ramazan", sources expressed fear. Islamabad is working to establish an up-to-the-mark date processing plant at Khairpur, and also in D I Khan and Turbat, with cold storage facilities, under Trade Policy 2003/04 Initiatives.
At present, there are 54 date processing units in the country. The most important are Pak-Iran International (Pvt) Ltd and Panama Impex Agency in Karachi; Panjgur Date Industries and Pullain Baloch Zamindar Zara in Panjgur; Prime Dates Products (Pvt) Ltd, Sham Traders, Shama Fruit Co and Syed International in Sukkur.
Major international markets for Pakistan's fresh dates are Bangladesh, Canada, Denmark, Germany, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United States, United Kingdom, while those importing dried dates from Pakistan include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Denmark, Germany, India and Japan.