France to assist Pakistan in date production
The government of France and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) are making joint efforts to develop and improve domestic agriculture output, especially that of dates.
Addressing a symposium titled, ‘Palm Dates’ on Monday, French Ambassador Daniel Jouanneau said his country was the second largest producer of agriculture in the world.
Jouanneau said that since 1996, yield per acre of date production in Pakistan had not increased, whereas world-wide production had increased 166 per cent. He said Pakistan is blessed with a tropical climate, which is ideal for production of dates, and is fourth in the world in date palm production.
Jouanneau said that out of 300 varieties of dates produced in Pakistan, many are in high demand in European and Asian countries, adding that date production is capable of earning $200 million to $240 million.
He hoped that his country and Pakistan would work together, saying date growing areas required advanced processing and preserving facilities, superior branding and proper training.
UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqar Ahmad Khan stressed the need to increase production in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan.
Dr Mark Hoddle from the University of California said that Pakistani farmers must be aware of the latest agricultural technologies, and cautious of pesticides which can destroy palms.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2011.
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