Pakistan’s Dates Drive Peshawar’s Ramazan Markets

APP
Peshawar: As the sun begins to set over the hills surrounding Peshawar, the city’s bustling fruit markets transform into a hub of activity, with traders rushing to meet the growing demand for one of Ramazan’s most cherished foods, dates.

For 42-year-old Sajjad Khan, a small-scale dates seller from Nowshera, this year’s Ramazan has brought unexpected business opportunities. Standing at his stall in Pabbi fruit market, Sajjad measures dates for a steady stream of customers while his two sons help manage orders. By late afternoon, much of his stock has already been sold out ahead of Iftar.

“The demand for dates has been exceptional this year despite rising prices,” Sajjad told APP, adding that locally produced varieties, particularly Dhaki and Panjgur dates, have attracted consumers due to their taste, quality and nutritional value.

Wearing a traditional turban, Sajjad said Pakistani dates are also gaining popularity in Gulf markets because of their distinctive flavour and comparatively affordable prices compared with premium varieties such as Ajwa and imported Iranian dates.

For many traders across Peshawar, Ramazan remains the most important season of the year, turning dates into a high-demand commodity that connects farmers, wholesalers and small vendors.

Pakistan’s hidden date economy

Pakistan is among the world’s largest producers of dates, ranking fifth globally after Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, according to Fazal Wahab Khan, Director Agriculture Research Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said the country’s fertile land and favourable climate allow cultivation of more than 100 varieties of dates. While around 106 types are grown nationwide, only a few varieties dominate commercial markets.

Dhaki dates from Dera Ismail Khan, along with varieties produced in Kech and Panjgur districts of Balochistan, remain among the most popular. More than 45 percent of dates consumed in Pakistan are produced in these regions.

Wahab said Pakistan currently produces between 550,000 and 650,000 metric tonnes of dates annually, adding that production could increase further with financial support and incentives for growers.

Balochistan’s Makran division alone produces around 60 varieties, while Turbat and Kech districts account for approximately 150,000 tonnes of dates cultivated over thousands of hectares.

A health tradition drives demand

Beyond tradition, health benefits have also strengthened the demand for dates during Ramazan.

Dr Ziaullah Khan, head of the medical ward at Lady Reading Hospital, said dates provide essential sugar and help restore energy levels after a long day of fasting.

He advised people to begin Iftar with dates, explaining that they are easy to digest and help stabilise blood sugar levels while preparing the stomach to receive other foods.

“Low blood sugar is one of the common reasons behind weakness, headaches and dizziness during fasting, and dates help overcome these problems,” he said.

According to him, dates also reduce excessive hunger, helping people avoid overeating and digestive problems after breaking their fast.

Prices rise, but demand remains strong

Despite increasing prices, consumers continue to prioritise dates as an essential part of their Iftar meals.

Markets across Peshawar, including Qissa Khwani, Gulbahar, Hashtnagri, Firdous, Chamkani, Faqirabad, Tehkal and Cantonment areas, are filled with different varieties of locally produced and imported dates, attracting large crowds before Iftar.

Fayaz Khan, a retired WAPDA employee, said Dhaki dates from Dera Ismail Khan remain his preferred choice. He purchased six kilograms of dates, including special gifts for his married daughters.

However, rising prices have become a concern for many buyers.

This year, Muzafati dates are being sold between Rs420 and Rs440 per kilogram compared with Rs400 to Rs420 last year. Iranian dates have increased from around Rs260 to Rs280-Rs300 per kilogram, while Dhaki dates from Dera Ismail Khan now cost Rs440-Rs460 per kilogram, compared with Rs380-Rs400 last year.

Consumers say inflation has made premium varieties increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford and have urged district administrations to ensure price control measures during Ramazan.

A seasonal business with lasting potential

While Ramazan provides a major boost to the dates trade, farmers and traders believe Pakistan’s date sector has much greater potential.

From local orchards in Dera Ismail Khan and Balochistan to crowded markets in Peshawar, the journey of a date reflects a wider agricultural economy that supports thousands of growers, transporters and sellers.

For vendors like Sajjad, however, the Ramazan rush remains a defining moment — a season when a simple fruit becomes not only a symbol of tradition and health but also a source of livelihood for countless families.