Agriculture Research Institute Trials Umbrella Covers To Shield Dhakki Dates From Climate Impact

Dera Ismail Khan, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2025) In response to climate-related challenges faced by date growers in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Agriculture Research Institute in Dera Ismail Khan has successfully piloted a method to protect the premium Dhakki dates from seasonal rain damage.

Transparent umbrella-shaped plastic covers were installed over the fruit bunches on selected trees this season, demonstrating encouraging results in terms of fruit quality and preservation.

Dr. Shahzada Arshad Saleem, Head of the Institute of food Technology, called the project a hopeful and smart way to deal with climate challenges that can also be used in other places.

He stated that despite a considerable drop in yield caused by erratic rainfall, the dates retained excellent size, appearance, and flavor, underscoring the resilience of the Dhakki variety when provided with proper protection. He further noted that the transparent cover model, once fine-tuned and scaled, could serve as a reliable safeguard for farmers vulnerable to climate stress across the region.

Research Officer Shariyar Hafeez shared that, due to changing weather patterns this year, each date palm produced only five to seven bunches of fruit. Fruit drop was unusually high across orchards, significantly affecting overall yield. However, the protected trees bore healthy, well-formed dates, each weighing approximately 40 to 45 grams, demonstrating the model’s effectiveness in preserving fruit quality.

He acknowledged that while making and installing these covers requires effort, the results have reaffirmed the principle that success in agriculture demands innovation and hard work. He expressed optimism that the model, if transferred to farmers on a wider scale, would help mitigate losses in future seasons.

Dhakki dates are cultivated extensively in Dera Ismail Khan, including in Dhakki village of Tehsil Paharpur, and surrounding areas such as Paharpur, Paniala, and Chaudhwan. These regions form the heart of Pakistan’s date belt, supporting thousands of acres under cultivation. Under ideal conditions, a single mature tree can yield between 60 to 100 kilograms of fruit. However, this season, growers experienced a sharp decline in output due to unseasonal rain and temperature fluctuations.

Even with the challenges, the research team is confident that when the fruit fully ripens, it will have the well-known color, size, and taste that make the Dhakki variety famous in Pakistan and around the world.

The institute has begun sharing video documentation of the rain protection technique with local farmers and extension agents, aiming to spread awareness and encourage adoption. With sustained research and field-based innovation, experts believe the Dhakki date sector can be steered toward long-term resilience and continued excellence.