High-level delegation visits DIKhan, reviews date processing technologies

Dera Ismail Khan, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Mar, 2026) A high-level delegation comprising Directors and Heads of Agriculture and allied departments from Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, and South Waziristan (Lower and Upper) visited the food Technology Section of the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) Dera Ismail Khan.

During the visit, Principal Research Officer and Head of Department, Dr. Shahzada Arshad Saleem Saddozai, briefed the delegation on ongoing research initiatives, particularly focusing on date palm pollination, thinning, ripening, and drying technologies.

He highlighted the development of the Hybrid Solar Tunnel Dryer (STD), an innovative, locally designed solution that significantly reduces the drying time of Dhakki dates to just three to four days.

The delegation was informed that 46 Solar Tunnel Dryer units have already been installed in various villages, facilitating farmers with hygienic, uniform, and weather-protected drying processes.

The technology was described as especially beneficial during the monsoon season, helping minimize post-harvest losses, improve product quality, and increase income and export potential for local growers.

The visiting officials appreciated the research efforts of ARI and underscored the need to scale up the technology through enhanced investment in training and infrastructure to promote sustainable agricultural development in the region.