Participation of PARC-SARC at the 2nd Pakistan International Date Palm Festival 2025 Expo Centre Karachi

The 2nd Pakistan International Date Palm Festival was held in Karachi from 16–18 September 2025, organized by the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation with Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security & Research and TDAP. The event promoted date palm cultivation, trade, and innovation, highlighting modern farming and research. Around 190 exhibitors from Pakistan and other countries, including the UAE, Jordan, Mexico, Syria, Morocco, Turkey and Egypt, participated to showcase products and expertise.
Mr. Parwaiz Ahmed Baloch, Director (FQSRI), participated as a member of the scientific committee and assessed nominations along with international experts for eight categories, including date fruits, value-added products, factories, farms, and scientific research papers with opportunities for knowledge skills and enhancing professional linkages. PARC-SARC and PARC-AZRC showcased their research achievements, including 15 promising date palm varieties grown with marginal quality irrigation water, aflatoxin testing laboratory equipment, and value-added products such as syrup, bars, paste, and powder. Dr. Attaullah Khan, Director General, PARC-SARC, was acknowledged as an influential figure in Pakistan’s date palm sector. During the scientific symposium, Dr. Saqib Arif delivered presentation on date palm cultivation and the development of value-added products at FQSRI.
PARC’s participation not only promoted sustainable agricultural technologies and value addition but also provided its scientists with valuable exposure to international research trends, industry needs, and commercialization opportunities. This interaction is expected to foster future collaboration, strengthen linkages with growers & processors, and enhance the growth potential of Pakistan’s date palm sector. Moreover, such engagements improve the scientists’ professional skills, broaden their research vision, and create avenues for quality research publications and knowledge sharing at both national and international levels.