STUDY OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN FRUITS OF DATES AT TURBAT-PUNJGURREGION OF BALOCHISTAN WITH REFERENCE TO MEDICINAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Asif Khan1, Manzoor Iqbal Khattak1\*, Rukhsana Jabeen2, Saadullah Khan Laghari3, Yasir Arafat1

1 Department of Chemistry, Balochistan University, Quetta, Pakistan  

2 Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Quetta, Pakistan  

3 Department of Chemistry, Balochistan University, Quetta, Pakistan

Corresponding author's email: manzoor_iqbal@yahoo.com

 Abstract

This study focuses on the status of dates in Balochistan and the analysis of heavy elements (Boron, Copper, Chromium, Cadmium, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Nickel, and Zinc) in the fruits of dates grown in the Turbat-Panjgur region. Dates are a vital fruit crop in Pakistan, grown on an area of 23,880 acres, with significant production in Balochistan and Sindh. These dates are essential for domestic and international markets, especially organic ones.

The study advocates adopting biological standards to enhance the export quality of dates, emphasizing both medicinal benefits and environmental protection. Investigations using mass spectrometry-induced coupled plasma (MS-ICP) showed most trace elements were present in small quantities, except for Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn), which could originate from geological and water sources. These elements' absorption by plants has medicinal applications and helps mitigate environmental pollution.

 Keywords

Dates, Trace Elements, Medicinal Plants, MS-ICP, Environmental Pollution

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The Scenario of Date Palm Cultivation in Makran,Balochistan

¹Department of Horticulture, MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan 60000, Pakistan

^*Corresponding author.  Email: shafa.nayab@mnsuam.edu.pk 

Adnan Ali¹, Sami Ullah¹, ShafaNayab*¹,Zain-ul-abbideen¹

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera)is a fruit that has long been prized in Islam. Remains of date trees have been discovered at Neolithic sites dating back 7,000–8,000 years in Syria and Egypt. When Arabs came to Makran, Balochistan they carried dates fruit with them. They used dates for consumption and the seeds of these consumed dates naturally initiated the date fruits in the Makran region. Nowadays, date palms may be found in a number of hot, dry locations around the globe, including deserts in subtropical zones. Because they are consumed in large quantities all around the world, they have significant economic worth.

                         

Nutritional Importance 

Dates are a very nutrient-dense fruit that have a high percentage of carbohydrates (70%) and are a significant source of sugars, vitamins, minerals, and trace amounts of fats and proteins. Additionally, it has K and very little Na levels, making it suitable for those with hypertension. They are a significant source of carotenoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidants, sterols, anthocyanins, procyanidins, tannins, and flavonoids, among other phytochemicals.

Dates Production in Pakistan

Pakistan is the sixth-largest producer of dates, with 0.05 million tonnes produced annually on 0.09 million hectares of land. The province that produces the most dates, Balochistan, accounts for 77% of the total fruit output; Sindh, Punjab, and KPK follow. The majority of the date palms in Balochistan are found in districtTurbat, Panjgoor, Khuzdar, Bolan, Gwadar, and many other districts. Makran division, which produced the majority of the date palm fruit. As a result, the Makran region's economy depends heavily on date palm.

Best Varities of Date Palm in Makran

Most common varieties of date palm in Makran are Begum Jangi,Sabzo,Halini, Konzenabad, Abdandan, Muzwati,Goknah, Rogini, Hussaini, Dishtari,Pashpag, Dandari, Shakri, Aseel, Kungo ,Jaan, Sware, Karaba , Rabbi,Shakarok, Dakki, peshnah, hussani, etc.

Common Insects and Diseases

Common diseases and insects of date palm in Makran include Diplodia and Bayoud disease, Fusarium wilt, Dubas bug, and root knot nematodes. Diplodia disease is caused by Diplodiaphoenicum and has been recorded on 20 date varieties worldwide. Bayoud disease is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis and is a deformed growth of date palm vegetative buds. Fusarium wilt is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. canariensis and is a lethal vascular disease of Canary Island date palm. Dubas bug (Ommatissuslybicus) is an economically significant pest of date palms, and root knot nematodes (Meloidogynearenaria and Meloidogynehapla) cause root knot disease.

Major Problems of Date Palm in Makran

The first major problem for the farmers of this region is that the monsoon rain coincidence with ripening of dates. The farmers who try to get date early in order to destruction due to rain or infestation, have to sell them to agent, middle man and business entities in low prices due to the lack of storage and processing units facilities. Local farmers are not aware of benefits of processing units and they have not been provided with required infrastructure support. Due to the unavailability of cold storage system, most of the farmers of this region store dates in open areas/gardens, consequently a huge amount of date spoiled in garden due to microbial contamination.

Possible Solutions

Government should gear up R&D in the region, provide processing unit and cold storage rooms, promote solar drying techniques, develop packaging standards and market linkages, quality control and certification to the related areas and improved supply chain system. Moreover, awareness should be spread among the farmers about correct methods and dose of using fertilizers and insecticides by which quality production will be ensured that contribute to increase GDP. By implementing these practices, Makran can significantly improve dates storage practices, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the economic prospects of local date palm farmers and small businesses.

^*Corresponding author.  Email: shafa.nayab@mnsuam.edu.pk 

                                            panjgur dates exebation in degree college panjgur

 Exploring the Economic potential of Date Palms in Panjgur

dates in the international market can vary depending on various factors such as the quality of the dates, the origin of the dates, the demand and supply dynamics, and the prevailing market conditions. Dates are a popular and broadly consumed fruit in many countries, and their value in the global market has been steadily increasing in recent years due to their nutritional benefits and versatility in culinary applications. Some of the major producers and exporters of dates include countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia Pakistan. These countries have well-established date cultivation industries and export their products to various markets around the world.

Pakistan is one of the major producers and exporter country of the dates in world. particularly varieties Dates are grown in various areas of Pakistan, including Sindh and Balochistan. The annual production is 53500 metric tons’ province of Balochistan contribute 225000 tons 53% of the total national output of dates according to the report of “trade development authority” of Pakistan 2022. Makran division two district Panjgur and kech have significant economic importance for the country. date palms in Pakistan can vary based on several factors, including the quality of the dates, the size and condition of the fruit, and the demand and supply dynamics within the local and international markets. The popular Verities produces from Balochistan, Makran division are Muzwati, Sabzo, Sharifa, Jan Suhr, Rabai, Halini, Kahraba and Begum Jangi are the popular verities of Panjgur and kech.

The city of dates Panjgur area is well known for its thriving date palm. The region's special temperature and rich soil make it the perfect place to grow date palms. To investigate the economic worth of date palms in Panjgur, stressing their impact on the regional economy, potential for job creation, and exportability. The terrain of Panjgur is covered in hundreds of date palm palms, covering a wide area. The climate of the area, which is characterized by hot summers and moderate winters, along with sufficient irrigation from subterranean water sources, creates the ideal circumstances for date palm development. Due to the number of trees, the date palm industry will flourish and bring about positive economic effects.

Date palms in Panjgur serve as a crucial source of income for farmers and local brokers. The annual production of dates from the orchards allows farmers to generate substantial revenues, providing a sustainable livelihood for agricultural communities. Furthermore, the trade and export of Panjgur dates contribute to the regional economy. The high-quality dates cultivated in the area are in demand both domestically and internationally, fetching competitive prices in markets. The export potential of Panjgur dates presents an opportunity to tap into local market of Pakistan and global markets and increase foreign exchange earnings.

The commercial value of date palms in Panjgur extends beyond the sale of fresh dates. The by-products of date processing, such as date paste, date syrup, and date-based confectioneries, have gained popularity in local and local and global markets. These value-added products offer opportunities for small-scale industries and entrepreneurs to establish processing units, further diversifying the financial benefits associated with date palms.

The date palm trade in Panjgur plays a pivotal role in the district economy, providing employment, income generation, and export opportunities. The abundance of date palms, coupled with their high-quality produce, establishes Panjgur as a prominent player in the date market. By harnessing the economic value of date palms, the district can achieve sustainable economic growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance the overall well-being of its communities. Furthermore, efforts to promote Panjgur date palm tourism and value-added products can solve additional avenues for economic improvement and cultural preservation.

Verities and their economic value of district panjgur

There are several verities in district panjgur. Each verity as its economic value in the panjgur and local markets as well as in global markets.

districts Panjgur is excellence for their high quality and remarkable date palm production. The date palm trade in Panjgur plays a vital role in the district's economy, providing employment, income generation, and export opportunities. By harnessing the economic value of date palms and promoting tourism and value-added products, Panjgur can achieve sustainable economic growth, improve livelihoods, and preserve its cultural heritage. Panjgur dates, known for their high quality, are in demand both domestically and internationally, offering opportunities for trade and export. The export potential of Panjgur dates presents an opportunity to tap into the local market of Pakistan as well as global markets, thereby increasing foreign exchange earnings.

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