By Muhammad Rehan
Dera Ismail Khan: A high-level delegation visited the Food Technology Section of the Agriculture Research Institute (ARI), Dera Ismail Khan, which included Director Plant Protection Agriculture Extension Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr. Hanif Zahid Khattak, Director Horticulture Directorate General Extension Peshawar Dr. Murad Ali Khan and District Director Agriculture Extension Dera Ismail Khan Dr. Muhammad Anwar Khan Bhatni. The delegation was briefed by PRO and Head of Food Technology Department, Dr. Shahzada Arshad Saleem Saduzai on the ongoing research projects of the institute. On this occasion, special focus was placed on modern technology for ripening and drying of date fruits. Dr. Shahzada said that various experiments are underway to address environmental challenges, the most prominent of which is the locally developed “Hybrid Solar Tunnel Dryer”. This system dries covered dates in just 3 to 4 days. It was further informed that 47 units of this modern system have been installed in villages, from which local farmers are directly benefiting. This technology invented by Dr. Shahzad not only provides a dust-free and hygienic drying process but also protects the fruit from rain. This technology is effective in drying other fruits, vegetables and commodities besides dates in a uniform and standard manner. In areas like Dera Ismail Khan, where covered dates are at risk of being lost during the rainy season, this invention is a revolutionary solution to improve quality, reduce losses, increase income and increase exports. The delegation appreciated the research efforts of the institution, supported the further promotion of this technology and emphasized the need for further investment in training and infrastructure to strengthen the date industry.
