TDAP Sukkur Leads Consultative Session for Banana and Dates Industry

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Sukkur recently spearheaded a pivotal consultative session in Khairpur, shedding light on the potential and challenges faced by stakeholders in the banana and dates industry. This collaborative effort brought together key players from organizations like Khairpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Sindh Chamber of Agriculture Khairpur, Sindh Abadgar Foundation Khairpur, Date Palm Research Institute Khairpur, and Banana Research Institute Khairpur.

The session served as a platform for growers, traders, processors, exporters, and technical experts to delve into the pressing issues hindering the production of bananas and dates. Concerns ranging from agricultural practices, labor skills, infrastructure, to the impact of natural disasters like monsoon rains were thoroughly discussed. Expert insights on ISO standards, SWOT analysis, and the importance of value addition were shared to pave the way for industry growth.

Stakeholders were urged to unite, show dedication, and take proactive measures to tackle the identified challenges. Recommendations included forming delegations to seek support from authorities, exploring value addition opportunities, and leveraging online training sessions for capacity building. The session also highlighted the untapped potential of banana by-products and emphasized the need for collaboration to boost exports.

Participants expressed gratitude towards TDAP for organizing the enlightening session and vowed to collaborate closely through the Khairpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry. A joint committee was established to work hand in hand with TDAP Sukkur to enhance the export prospects of banana and date products.